If there are multiple directions for you to comfortably choose where to go in (different areas, pursuing different quest lines), then it's called, I believe, non-linear, not "open world". DOS games are not even non-linear because there are intended levels for each region, and there is one very narrow route intended for players to go. If you wander just a bit far from your current region you're guaranteed to run into only high level encounters that are not intended for your level. Not that it's impossible to beat higher-level regions, but it's much harder in a "not fun" kinda way, because the game was built against you doing this (stat bloat, level-difference modification to damage). This was the main reason why I could never find the motivation to replay either DOS game. There are too few maps in DOS, too few enemy variation, no surprise events. The feeling I had after completing DOS was that I'd probably seen most everything - I didn't feel like there was anything I wanted to know anymore. I was willing to give DOS2DE one complete playthrough, but that was it. The fact that you can get any skill you want and respec your characters anytime you want, one playthrough is about enough for you to try out everything.

Last edited by Try2Handing; 24/06/21 02:28 AM.
"We make our choices and take what comes and the rest is void."