i agree, the world and different areas can be very immersive if you approach this game with that state of mind. i remember running around the black shroud and coming across this very shallow creek, the whole area was a shallow creek with a couple of small shores. i then come across the top of this waterfall and looking down i was awestruck. then i tried to run and explore it some more only to find high lvl monsters around that would one shot me so i had to turn back. i now have a goal and drive to get higher lvl because i do want to finish exploring that area and see what else is around there

edit: spelling