well, it is YOUR game, but I really disagree. The games you mentioned are the kind I dont like either (thats why I'm here. Endless killing for levelling up is not my idea of fun either. I was thinking of the original dnd games. turn based action was ok, but real time is so much better.
but having a knowledge of where everything is is not godlike. People who are explorers or travellers end up having a lot of knowledge about a lot of places. The more places one knows about where they can do things, the MORE options you have for roleplaying. Just because stupid games have a mapping system, doesn't mean it is a bad idea. It is kinda like saying you are here, in the city of your birth, but are clueless as to where any restaurants are, laundrymats, stores, etc.. No one exists in their world without knowing where MOST things are. We know where Texas is. We know there is a town there called Dallas. Even tho we haven't been there.
mapping doesn't make you less sociable (roleplaying). not having time to relax and just enjoy others company and do what you want is what hinders roleplaying. If I have to worry about which buton does what or spend three days just finding what I'm looking for, then I am not gonna stop and try to roleplay. I'm too busy having to worry about where things are I might need or want.
I haveb't found a map in the game yet. Maybe if I had one, it might be sufficient. That is another reason I came back to Hydalla. I can see that you are stuck on the "no mapping thing", tho. Too bad. I am SURE it is hurting the game. Too easy to get lost and too hard to find things.