I can agree that DQVIII (and I would add XII since its just a more graphical powerhouse version of the same setup) is pretty much what the standard should be. Amusingly, I find it interesting that Xenoblade and Last Story are often compared to FFXII in several factors including exploration. I think I could be happy with this set-up especially since DQVIII found a happy compromise of realistic world travel but a means to actually see a world map by implementing the old school style maps when you used the boat or flying bird. Though it would also work to bring in some of the old school jazz of other visual elements in the world. Wouldn't it be awesome to run across a field and watch a herd of chocobos stomp by or climb a mountain and witness an airship descending from the clouds to the city you passed below. I'm still really pissed that VIII and IX were introducing elements like this into their games and they have all but been dropped.