I completely agree with the OP.
I just got into Lost Odyssey this weekend and it reminded me of what Final Fantasy XIII was lacking. I love barging into people's houses and searching their pots, drawers and dressers, walking around a town trying to find everything I can to give me an extra edge later in battle. I also love having tons of things to collect (seeds, items for sidequests, ingredients for rings), having a world map and being able to decide where I want to go.
FFXIII was just walking down a long corridor while a story unfolds (a poorly told one too).
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