I'm thinking about picking up Wasteland 2. However, I mostly play RPGs for their story / plot. Most reviews and comments I've read focus on gameplay mechanics and combat. So I'm a bit unsure if this is the right game for me.

Can someone maybe elaborate a bit on the plot (without spoilers please). How well is it developed? How much plot is there besides combat? Is there a strong main quest that keeps me going?

Somewhat related: I've heard that the game makes strong references to the first title, which I've never played. Would you say it is required to understand W2?

I have not finished the game but I'd say the game is very much driven by an ever present and ever evolving main plot. There are many Wasteland 1 references throughout the game, but most of these references are actually characters explaining the events and their experiences of the previous game, so I have no problem understanding the narrative and the game universe even though I never played it.

I think the reason you're not hearing much about the plot is because it is largely delivered through richly descriptive writing with occasional voice acting from key characters. There is not much to discuss here, there is a lot of engaging stuff to read in the game. The dialogue system is very good and the dialogue writing is above average. Discussion about the game is mostly concerned with combat because this is where you find the actual gameplay.

I think that if you enjoy the setting (post-nuclear wasteland with mutation, robots and lawlessness) you will enjoy the story.

I'm in LA and the factions \ their radio broadcasts are simply great. Main plot is solid, but discovering communities, learning about them and solving their problems (or having not-so-nice encounters with bigger factions running the show) is where the game really shines.

I agree that California is much more interesting plot-wise than Arizona.
Since you're disconnected from the main Ranger base, the main plot becomes much less linear (you have a series of objectives, it's up to you in what order to tackle them and how), there's a much bigger world to explore, and decisions become more complex and morally gray.

Thanks guys, you convinced me.. I bought it and will start playing it over the weekend :)