I feel like comparing 3d Fallout to 1 & 2 is almost pointless, they're effectively entirely different games and universes, imo. That said, I think F4 is more immersive and diagetically-believable than 1&2, even if the themes and storytelling are shallower.

F1&2 are better storytelling games, F4 is a better immersive RPG.

And I fully loved the settlement building and even the unpopular minutemen help/recruitment missions. Though I concede that they're way better with mods, but everything in any Bethesda game (including Obsidian-partnered New Vegas) is vastly improved with mods; I genuinely don't even understand how people can play a Bethesda game on console without the ability to mod

Bethesda games always have bland dialogue and a bad storyline (Not counting New Vegas, perhaps). For me, they are about exploration, freedom of movement and world building and I liked Fallout 4 in that regard