FFVII with out a doubt has the best map design. Probably the best design ever in an RPG. The way you go from area to area unlocking new cars or planes to access further areas and at the same time giving you easier access to back track if you so choose. So going forward is just as easy as going back once you get that new mode of transportation. But it still limits you from going all the way forward. The way most of the map is divided by mountains or a river is rather nice because when they divid them into big continents there...it really limits your ability to go backwards.

For all those reasons and proably more FFVII is hands down...THE BEST.