Thule Esperada
Blue Mage
Open world design is usually a major turn off for me. If I have ended up enjoying an open world game, it's usually been in spite of rather than because of it. I tend to prefer more compact game worlds where the content and quests are densely packed over massive maps, to avoid the open world pitfall of constant "travel downtime". The amount of contnet also has a big impact on my enjoyment. When a Game markets itself with having 100+ hours of content it often does more to deter me rather than entice me to pick them up, since my interest in a game usually starts to seriously drop at the 40+ hour point. I tend to reach that point earlier If it's difficult to tell "filler" content apart from more engaging stuff, and if travelling between points of interest requires long passive walks.
Does BotW in your experience manage to avoid these types of issues?
If you haven't gotten them yet, I give full recommendations to Carrion and Salt & Sanctuary.
Carrion is really fun, if short, romp that let's you release your inner eldritch abomination. Despite your size you're not super durable, so the game's focus is on stealth and using your abilities creatively.
Salt & Sanctuary is an ecxelent fusion of 2D metroidvania style exploration and souls-like combat. It's difficulty is a bit more forgiving compared to Fromsoftware's titles but still provides a fun challenge. Combined with an interesting setting and great atmosphere makes it one of my favourite souls-like games.
