I agree with respect to CNC with consequences for the story. There is nothing of that. But for example to be able to solve quests in different ways (e.g. violently or non-violently) or to specialize your character in different ways are also a kind of CNC in my view.
Still you are right that Gothic is much better in this respect. But the request for CNC is quite young as a (main) RPG criterion. Most really old classic RPGs don't have it either. Also most diablo clones dont't have CNC (not saying that HZD is similar to a diablo clone, it is in fact quite different, for example you are not in constant stress of fighting through hordes of enemies like in most diablo clones - in fact you can wander around nearly the complete world without fighting).
Something completely different: For me HZD was the first game with a post apocalytic setting, which has a beautiful, colorful world. If you forget all the machines you feel like in an America before the Europeans arrived. I like that touch very much.