| > Skyrim and AC are milestones in open-world design around 2010 Yet it bored me to death. So empty. Such a terrible rhythm. I understand why people like it, I get the game qualities, but I prefer much more density in my games. When I played the witcher 3, I enjoyed it. But soon, I got lost in side quests. I could not even remember the main quest anymore. And side quests took me so far away, going back would have been sometimes long rides of boat and riding. GTA had a different problem: it was very repetitive. I didn't feel like moving from one part of the city to another, I was discovering another part of the world. Just a variation of what was already existing. That's why BoTW was the first open world I deeply appreciated: there is always something to do, anywhere, something do discover and get excited about. And going off and on the main quest is quick, easy, seamless. You can do it over and over. Also, the game is not just beautiful, it's a piece of art. I never stopped in order to admire my surrounding in skyrim or the witcher. Not that they cannot be nice looking: max res + mod can make them outstanding. But they don't touch you inside in the way a Nintendo game landscape can, Miyazaki style. They get you attached to character much better though, so there is that. I believe Elden Ring went for that density, that artistic quality kind, that flexibility, in a sort, that lean aspect of open world exploration. Except you get your ass kicked and then the game spit on your grave. |