It looks like a lot of work and time you have to invest.
I don`t remember trying anything similar either but I am more of a shoot em up kind of guy.
The game itself definitely takes quite a bit of time to 'beat' .. but the progression of the game really is all about talking to a person marked on your map; which usually takes you straight into the mission with a cutscene, but not always..traveling is required; and following the directions the game gives you. Sometimes it can be confusing, but it's more-or-less really linear.
As for the game-play style; sure.. it's a bit of story, and filler now-and-then...but a majority of it from the couple days I've been playing has been Hunting (bow/guns) .. defending myself (guns) .. robbing people (bow/guns/bluffing/etc) .. or just kicking someones ass in a fist fight because someone shoulder bumped the other in passing and started a quarrel. Lmao
All in all, it's a shoot'em up, with some flavor on it. I'd recommend trying to find some basic game-play videos, granted PC port was just released on the 5th of this month.
If you're at all interested in Western-esque anything.. it's got what you're looking for. Also, a good story driven game does the gamer good IMO. The investment in the story, and your character is half of the fun in these types of games. Not to mention, in Red Dead Redemption 2, your Horse is a huge investment.. having to "bond" with it over time for perks was a really cool idea that I like. I am more careful with what I do with my horse than keeping my guns clean, which also can effect game-play mechanics... Like I said in the Original Post, this game has a LOT... it may seem like a crap ton to delve into..but for the first time in a while this a game I feel is worth the price. Rockstar really has outdone themselves.
Funny side-note...this game has been out for a year. Since I don't have a console I'm learning all of this crap from the get-go. Cool stuff, man. Cool stuff.