Hyrule - The Legend of Zelda series
So many different incarnations of this world to explore, but all so wonderful. My personal favorite is that of the Link to the Past and Link Between Worlds games. But just throw me into any of these worlds, and I'll have a blast. So much to look forward to exploring in Breath of the Wild as well.
Weyard - Golden Sun series
I love this world. So many wonders to explore, so many hidden details and puzzles. But, perhaps best of all, such a rich and diverse cast of NPCs. With dialogue from serious and somber, to amusing or touching, you always want to talk to (and Mind Read) every NPC in the game. And find every lost Djinni.
The Net - Megaman Battle Network series
Browsing the internet is always fun. But browsing the internet as Megaman, with countless secrets to uncover, busting viruses, and fighting bad guys all the way? Tearing into the dark recesses of the Undernet? Fixing broken down code and having it affect the world outside? I love it all. Not your typical RPG world, but very worth exploring. Up until Battle Network 4 killed it.
The Planet - Chrono Trigger
How many worlds do you get to explore and see grow and change across their entire history? It should be no surprise that the best game of all time makes this list. This world is simply amazing. So much to explore and learn about as you travel it through time and space.
Rune - Shining Force series
Most tactical RPGs have you bounce from location to location, engaging in battles and not much else. Shining Force eschewed that tradition in exchange for letting you explore the world as a standard RPG overworld, finding useful hidden items, or even hidden characters, as you go. A wonderful world brought to us by Camelot, the same designers behind Golden Sun, who now obsess with making sports games instead of more incredible RPGs.
Adonea - Rune Factory series
Okay, maybe not a "world", so much as "a countryside around a handful of towns". But few towns have felt so alive to me as those in Rune Factory. With characters that feel like real people, with constantly changing day-to-day dialogue, their own friendships and stories, and tons of events to explore with them all, I can never wait to return to Norad and help fight the evil Sechs Empire while maintaining one of the most productive farms in gaming.
Septerra - Septerra Core: Legacy of the Creator
Seven shells, surrounding a single core. Their own cultures, peoples, and unique geography. Although the game has shown its age, the concept itself felt ahead of its time, and it's a truly unique RPG that I really wish would get an update for modern systems. But, hey, at least you can buy it on GOG for 6 bucks or Steam for 5. And oh, boy, you should.
The World of Pokémon - Pokémon series
Yes, I need a ton of HMs to fully explore this world (at least, until Pokéride replaces them). I don't care. There are wonderful little critters waiting to befriend me, great NPCs to talk to, fantastic items to find, and such a beautiful world that I thoroughly enjoy every minute in it. While I may not like every region equally, I am always looking forward to returning to the world to explore a new one, or an old one, again.
Gaia - Final Fantasy VII
How much detail do I need to give about this one? A vast, varied, and incredibly fun to explore world, filled with great characters, fun minigames, awesome vehicles, and tons and tons of FF goodness.
Ivalice - Final Fantasy Tactics series
I have my issues with FFXII, but the world is not one of them. Ivalice is, for me, one of the greatest worlds Square has made. And, coming from the guys who made FFVII and Chrono Trigger, that's saying something. A rich history, and so many little things to do an explore. From exploring the hidden lore and history in quests, to meeting legendary swordsman, to rounding up some loose cluckatrices, to stopping plots for world destruction or domination, Ivalice is a truly amazing world to explore.
Luxendarc - Bravely Default series
Can one feel nostalgia for a new game? I did for Bravely Default. Bringing back everything that used to be great about Square, this world shackled exploration somewhat, but made up for it in its characters, incredible lore and history, and, of course, it's music.
That's 11, but I do feel like I've just scratched the surface, and I'm probably forgetting plenty that bear mentioning.
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