Hey, interesting thread here Kaz! This is something I've talked about in the past, actually, so I like having a thread to discuss it with. ^^
I've always wanted the type you refer to as "Specific". The original world maps had so much more. There was all kinds of things to do on it and it added so much depth to the game. In every other kind of overworld, there's hardly any exploration anymore. The world map has degraded into an annoyance that prevents you from continuing the game. The overworld is no longer an enjoyable experience in itself, IMO.
That's not to say I'm not a fan of the other overworld types, I just think it's been so long since we've seen this kind, and I really do think it's the best so it's high time it came back. And I think it's definitely possible with 3D. I don't really see why not.
I've always wanted the type you refer to as "Specific". The original world maps had so much more. There was all kinds of things to do on it and it added so much depth to the game. In every other kind of overworld, there's hardly any exploration anymore. The world map has degraded into an annoyance that prevents you from continuing the game. The overworld is no longer an enjoyable experience in itself, IMO.
That's not to say I'm not a fan of the other overworld types, I just think it's been so long since we've seen this kind, and I really do think it's the best so it's high time it came back. And I think it's definitely possible with 3D. I don't really see why not.