something clicked for me in what you wrote about open world games, and i think that for me, the main thing i GOTTA have for a game where you end up meandering about is: the movement itself has gotta feel joyful. like for example (since you didn't mention it) with Horizon: zero dawn, Aloy just felt so good to move (and fight) with that it never felt like a chore to get where i was going. i never even used mounts, they weren't as right as just runnin. it helps a lot to have meaningful goals or treasure to find, but there's always an ending of meaningful things if you play enough. for me if its ever boring to get there the game is on borrowed time