I never liked the fact that after a certain point so many games went open-world. In many cases that means boring and repetitive side missions you have to do over and over.. and not that much focus on interesting environments. Also the story lacks urgency and focus since you can just stroll at leisurely pace wherever and whenever you feel like.

There are games that do it well, but IMO there are not that many of them - e.g. Grand Theft Auto, Elden Ring, Witcher 3..

But if I look at most of my favourite games or series, they are not open world - Half Life 2, KOTOR, Uncharted, The Last of Us, Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid (Phantom Pain went OW and although a great game gameplay wise, felt like it was missing something - maybe just because it was unfinished)