Just started this last night and am currently at Chapter 2 after six hours. I'm loving it.
The increased danger at night time and the limit on fast-travel makes me plan my days out accordingly: drive, gather, explore, hunt, return to camp. Level up, have a meal, browse the photos, go to bed, repeat! It's a simple loop and I can see how people might dislike this, but I just find it so relaxing. The lads are really great company and they make the life-sim aspects a joy to participate in. After some time with the combat I'm understanding it and enjoying the flow (still using Wait Mode and taking my time to think about tactics). I can see myself putting a lot of hours into this world.