I do agree that the story and character are at best mediocre. In current times, the stories and character are superb, but over the history of RPG games in general? I would say again -- mediocre.
I think this is a case of needing to play more games? Current times still includes other CRPGs like Disco Elysium. If not masterpieces, even normal RPGs like Fallen Order, God of War 1, A Plague Tale have competent stories. So even in comparison to 'current times' it's still very mid as it actively contradicts itself with ass pulls constantly and doesn't stick the landing at all.
