FFI: Because basically most of the time I didn't know where I needed to go so I had to explore. Back then, you'd explore till you had every inch of the world memorized.

FFVI: Specifically the act of rediscovering the world in WoR. I absolutely loved going back through all the different areas seeing how the catastrophe had changed the landscapes and the cities.

FFXI: Not having maps automatically (having to buy them or quest for them) meant learning the maps by heart by exploring them. One of my favorite things to do in this game was take a level 1 naked character out to explore new areas. This was especially fun when Chains of Promathia launched because a lot of the new zones were instantly accessible (Bibiki Bay, Uleguerand Range, etc) and others opened up through mission progress. It really made the world feel like it was unfolding. I remember first getting access to "Sky," which was a huge, very satisfying event at the time. Likewise with "Sea." I'd kill for an offline version of FFXI. I mean a non-MMO in the style of FFXI.

This kind of experience is lacking in FFXIV, unfortunately. The world is undeniably beautiful, but it doesn't unfold, and it doesn't feel cohesive. I, at least partially, blame the map design for this.

FFXII: The world isn't as connected as I would like. It feels sometimes like FFX in the way it provides access to its various "zones," but it's still huge, and there's enough variation and side-pathing to make it an interesting adventure. The monster layout is generally satisfying (as compared to, say, FFXIII), and with Marks appearing and disappearing and some weather affects changing the landscape in a few places, it feels like a living breathing world.