I agree on the emptiness. I also felt like they were trying too hard with a lot of scenes, and I had a hard time relating to the characters. However, it got more interesting as the story and the world open up more.

Having played the games, and having liked them, the series was a welcome and fitting extension of the existing narrative. It fits so well into the universe, that you will happily forgive any shortcomings, just to get this pleasant enrichment to prior experiences. Watching the show is almost like you're back in the wasteland yourself, discovering it all over again.

It does not feel like a cheap abuse of a brand you associate with a good time. That alone is worth a lot.

I also felt like the HDR video and Atmos audio are well done and contribute to the impact of the show, as available of course.

There were twists in the story I did not anticipate. Maybe it's just my interpretation, but the way the series tells its story felt overly video game like. You always follow the protagonists closely on their linear progress through their active quest, and the breaks in that progress feel so clearly like side quests. I couldn't put my finger on it, but I felt that was well done.

After all, it is a series that builds on existing material, which is video games. The way they implemented it is highly consistent with your prior experience and people appreciate that greatly.