u/First-Time-King

I played Forbidden West first and then went back to Zero Dawn. My experience:

It took longer to learn the world/story

The game gives you a brief recap of events from the first game. It's sufficient in the same way a tv show recaps major events prior to the new episode. It certainly doesn't spend time on some of the key relationships (Sylens) nor should it.

It can feel a bit overwhelming because there's so much like Machine Strike and other inclusions and character interactions. It can be challenging to determine what should be a priority. Certain the game does a good job with it's main quest and breaking down errands/side quests etc

Going back to Horizon Zero Dawn feels limiting

This is not a knock on the game. Jedi Survivor and Fallen Order are similar in that the second game builds on skills/abilities and ultimately makes the character and world feel more complete. I can't tell you how much I missed having my focus to determine climbing spots in Zero Dawn. Or the glider or the pull caster for that matter. Those are quality improvements that I had grown accustomed to in FW that were sorely missed in ZD. And one of the biggest additions in FW is the inclusion of the stash. Having to make choices on inventory to hold/discard was frustrating after having free reign to collect everything. Sure you can upgrade pouches and resources but unlimited collection capacity is far better for players.

Aloy's personality

Honestly I found her funnier and more likeable in ZD. It could be the increased weight of the next chapter, but I genuinely enjoyed her sarcasm and comments to herself in ZD. She's far more serious in FW. I found it interesting and honestly after fighting for so long against so many machines and people it makes sense that someone's personality may harden. Just an interesting change from the two games.

The story itself

Hands down ZD is a better story. It does a great job allowing you to uncover the mystery and feeling a lot of Aloy's development as she gets introduced to a bigger world than just the Nora. That said, the overall gameplay in FW is superior. The machines are improved. The quests to collect certain pieces of gear from machines feels better. I love the overdraw feel.

Conclusion:

So against the advice of the vast majority of the sub I started off with FW. In some ways I'm glad I did. Zero Dawn felt like a prequel. I knew where the story was going. I paid attention to particular character interactions more because I knew they would have lasting relevance. I wasn't disappointed by being spoiled by plot developments. It felt natural and made sense in terms of what comes next. The biggest thing for me was the change in overall gameplay. FW expands on ZD in some very player friendly ways. Exploring the water and the skies makes the world feel that much richer.

I can see why this sub is insistent on starting with ZD. For me there is much more replay value in FW. Overall both fantastic games. I don't think starting with FW is the worst choice. Just very different types of experiences. Going from FW to ZD definitely feels like a downgrade for overall gameplay but it more than makes up for it in overall story. That's my 2 cents