Maybe it's just that deus ex is 20 years old and we were younger than, so that its dialogs and story felt better [than it maybe actually were - not saying it's bad, just maybe a little rose-tinted]. I have a similar inclination as you regarding the story/dialogs of cyberpunk thus far (stereotype-ridden, many dialogs/texts are a waste of time etc.) and I also wouldn't really compare the two games gameplaywise too much (Cyberpunk is a hybrid of open world and structured levels). However, what I really adore about cyberpunk and what makes it very likable to me is the artstyle and world and feeling graphically. It's just so beautiful with these vibrant colors and different parts of the city, especially when it rainS ;) Also, the characters' believable facial expressions really add to the feeling of being in this cyberpunk world. That makes the game worthwhile to me.

I'm surprised we've had such a different experience. Have you been doing the side quests?

I want to add that Deus Ex is hands down my favourite franchise, I've played every installment multiple times (except Invisible War). So I didn't make the comparison lightly. I'm not suggesting it's exactly like Deus Ex, but I think calling it a luke warm copy isn't doing Cyberpunk any justice either. It's got elements from Deus Ex, but it is a very unique game with it's own approach to the genre.