Gameplay appealed to me first and foremost. I didn't know there was a story until the e3 2016 cinematic (then again, I don't follow For Honor closely enough). However if the story does a good job of setting everything up and tying it altogether, I think it could really enhance the feel of the combat, your character, and your adversaries. So instead of "Who'll get the most points and win the match?", it'll be "You are a great fighter. We both oppose Apollyon, but only one of us can survive."