What makes exploring fun? What makes it unfun?

Was watching a review of Biomutant, and a lot of criticism was about how the world is beautiful but empty with little to find or do. Why isn't this fun? I agree, but do I really need little trinkets and in-game boosters and content to satisfy my need of exploring a completely new and imagined world? Why can't I enjoy exploration for the sake of it? Is it because it's the same boring, jungle, grass, desert, snow, environments? Would exploring be fun if it was new and interesting? Even something like Yume Nikki has the chance of finding a doorway or new items amidst all the weird settings.​And if that's really what we want, is exploration itself overrated? Or how is it more nuanced? via /r/Games https://ift.tt/3p1a3WG