The one consistent critic on Heavensward is "too much like ARR"? srsly?

[Bishop81]

Could you explain what it means to have a sandbox in an MMO? I've played sandbox games, mostly open world action or adventure games, so I'm not entirely sure how a sandbox element fits into an MMO structure, I'm interested to know what other games have implemented in this style.

Think of it as a playground with toys like rubber balls, nerf guns, ... etc. within a theme park like Disneyland with curated rides and attractions.

When you are tired of riding the Pirates of the Caribbean, you can go to the playground and play with the rest of the kids.