I think low key opennings can definitely be good, I just think they have to give the player a clear hook and direction. For example in Pathfinder: Kingmaker you start off as just another adventurer, but you have a clear purpose and goal right from the beginning before the game opens up and gives you complete freedom. PoE 1 on the other hand, it leaves you kidn of aimless for a while since you don't really have a clear understanding of what's happening to your character and why you should feel any urgency about it until after you've probably completed a bunch of side quests and explored the available areas.
