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[Labadal]

When we got better and better graphics, some developers said that world maps won't work with more realistic looking graphics. Were they right? In my humble opinion, they were not. They were removed to have bigger overworlds, or more open areas, but it was at points to the detriment of games that removed world maps. To me, it is nice to have the whole world connected as a big entity that you can traverse. Usually first by walking, maybe get an animal or a vehicle for quicker travel, then a boat, and last something that flies. It invokes me with a sense of adventure. Not to mention that I have very fond memories of some really great world map music. Find secret dungeons/locations/treasures/bosses.

I have been thinking to myself that maybe I am alone in this, and it is only nostalgia, but what do I know?

Recent examples:

Dynasty Warriors: Origins

Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 (I hope I timestamped it correctly)


Some older stuff:
Ni No Kuni (I loved everything about the implementation in this game, style, graphics, music)


The Alliance Alive (Couldn't find a good video. Maybe not the best game, but they nailed world map exploration)


Partially Dragon Quest XI, but unfortunately, only when you use vehicles.

Resonance of Fate was very different, but I liked it.

Tale of Wuxia: The Pre-Sequel's world map/overworld worked a little bit more like the old Fallouts. Explore, and if you reach a destination, it gets revealed on your map.

Bravely Default 2. I liked the world map, despite some areas having very bad music.

 

[saintjules]

 

[IAmRei]

I heard bravely default 2 i press like
Same with Resonance of Fate

 

[KimDongHwan]

Yep agree! That sense of achievement when you got your first airship in FFVIII that now travels faster and also you can get to some end game dungeon was the best

 

[Zacfoldor]

Me too. It amazes me how so few at Square Enix seem to really understand what made their old games special. They still make good games, but its the side games now that are great. Seems like with them, the less management cares about a game the better it will be when it launches.

 

[Darkmakaimura]

Count me in as one who misses over world maps from an overhead or isometric perspective.

 

[SpiceRacz]

 

[Danjin44]

Bravely Default very underrated game....I'm looking forward re-playing this on my Switch 2.

 

[calico]

I'm hoping FF7 Pt 3 goes for overworld instead of Rebirth's ubislop approach.

 

[Darkmakaimura]

I'm hoping FF7 Pt 3 goes for overworld instead of Rebirth's ubislop approach.

No chance of that happening but it would be nice.

 

[Hudo]

After having played some boring open-world games, where the open-world was just "there to be there", I've developed a new appreciation for overworlds.

 

[Darkmakaimura]

I would love to see an over world map in a future Trails/Kiseki game.

 

[Midway-AGNC-]

I miss it, too. It helped the genre to have identity and personality. Open world mechanics feels a bit samey to me, nowadays.

 

[Liopleurodon]

Remember Chocographs?

 

[Danjin44]

I miss it, too. It helped the genre to have identity and personality. Open world mechanics feels a bit samey to me, nowadays.

Its done well then I dont mind.....Xenoblade X's open world is amazing.

 

[Labadal]

Its done well then I dont mind.....Xenoblade X's open world is amazing.

Not every game needs to have an overworld, because the Xenoblade series have fun exploration.

It's just sad that so many games got rid of it.

For example, I find the Tales of series more lacking after they removed it from their games.

 

[Danjin44]

Not every game needs to have an overworld, because the Xenoblade series have fun exploration.

It's just sad that so many games got rid of it.

For example, I find the Tales of series more lacking after they removed it from their games.

I agree not every JRPG devs can do what Monolith Soft does so I think Overworld is best next thing to make world feel big.

 

[Davevil]

Unicorn Overlord

 

[San Dan Glokta]