I agree with OP to an extent; the overworld needs more stuff to do in it. Activities/“life”. Even if it’s just NPCs moving around transporting stuff.

Guildwars 2 is fantastic at this with Mariokart style races, jumping puzzles, mini games etc that pop up similar to fates. They even have a few pilot-wings-esque courses you can do.

For all the “meh” in GW2 story/job balance, the actual world/physics were always a joy to goof around in.