On the PC version, under system configuration, there is an option to toggle various display settings to allow the game to run depending on your hardware. That's how you get around "hardware" limitations! You make the game scalable so it can run on a wide range of hardware.

As for the zones in the original FFXIV, they were huge and uninteresting, with almost no variety. One part looked like all the other parts. And getting from one place to another was AWFUL! No one wants big uninteresting zones. That's why they broke each area up, giving each area it's own memorable touch. You have Middle La Noscea with it's Skylift! Lower La Noscea with it's Salt Strands! Central Shroud with it's Sanguine Perch!