So, one thing I really miss are games like... Banjo Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64 and even Ty. These were all adventure games in which you'd progress by opening up "worlds" which happened to be like sand boxes you could explore. Progress could be achived from little things like finding a house and shooting down a bee hive or creeping through deadly turbines on a ship. It encouraged exploration and experimentation. But these now defunct adventure games had to be done right or they'd become a chore or feel uninspired.

One thing I've wanted to do with my game (which I still haven't started on, but its getting close) is to make such an open world... But the thing is that its an RPG and I don't want there to be - say a hub world because then the seperate levels feel disconnected. And that's the problem because in an RPG usually progress is done by levelling up rather then by collecting nick nacks. I could create a world with lots to explore but would anyone do it, or would it just feel cluttered?

On the other hand, its both easier to create seperate themed "worlds" and fill them with content rather then trying to create sprawling landscapes with nothing to do. I have a habit of doing that. The first world I'm working on - Nah'Grandia is described as a vast field. I am of course, spoofing Hyrule Field. But like Hyrule Field this runs the risk of becoming just a back drop to get from one point to another and I don't want it to be like that.

So, there's a very delicate balance to be had and a misstep could possibly ruin my game if its not designed well. Likewise, I want these over world areas to feel vast and full of life. I also thought perhaps I should do like, the 1986 Legend of Zelda thing and have the map work similarly but then it would feel too small and too random to stand toe to toe with a game like Skyrim.

And speaking of the art style - I do still want it to be old school. I worry though that people won't be interested because it will look dated, but on the other hand its distinct enough to be unique (and easier to draw to since the only one making this game is myself, and I'd much rather code it then draw it).

I think old school works well now a days. After all, Megaman 9 and 10 were a hit as far as I know.