Linear, linear, linear

[Hurlstone]

Open world does not always make for a better experience, personally speaking the open world element actively put me off games like Dragon Age Inquisition. Currently playing and really enjoying FFXVI, and I like that its a more linear experience... that said, I do have issues with it. There is enough space in most maps to explore but it often feels unworthy to do so unless you have a quest, and tiresome before you get a mount. What rewards you do find from going off the path are little more then crafting items, and given how weak that system is in the game, its unfortunate. Perhaps it will change when I am deeper into the game.

As for FFXIV, I would like more reasons to explore the open world, though with dungeons I am fine with how they are, mostly because the MMO mindset of most players is to do things quick and swiftly. Players will always find a way to cheeses things to make them faster, or take the moist ‘optimum’ route no matter what incentives there are. Its the same with every other MMO I have played. At least SE do not put important, unrepeatable quests and dialogue moments in its dunegons… yes, that was a dig at you ESO. I love ya, but hate how MMO you are. If anything I would rather we get more variation in bosses then dungeon layout, like some fights that have puzzle elements or involve NPCs etc. Always boggle my mind that Bardam's Mettle is like the only one with a boss fight that does not have a combat element to it. More like that I say!

[Catwho]

Open world does not always make for a better experience, personally speaking the open world element actively put me off games like Dragon Age Inquisition. Currently playing and really enjoying FFXVI, and I like that its a more linear experience... that said, I do have issues with it. There is enough space in most maps to explore but it often feels unworthy to do so unless you have a quest, and tiresome before you get a mount. What rewards you do find from going off the path are little more then crafting items, and given how weak that system is in the game, its unfortunate. Perhaps it will change when I am deeper into the game.

I found a few hidden side paths that were not obvious until I was trying to track down a hunt for a quest. I was forced to open the map and stare at them because the quest called out a location I hadn't unlocked, despite being in that area multiple times for MSQ.

There were two tiny little paths leading off the field area.

I went down the first one and ran face first into an S rank hunt mob. NOPE NOPE NOPE NOT WHAT I WAS HERE FOR lol

Finally found the second missing one that had the name of the area I was looking for, and killed the B rank I'd actually been after.

I'm sure there's tons of tiny little hidden pockets in the field areas like that I missed. That's why you get an achievement for unlocking all the maps by the end of the game.