im not directly point at the zone layout and the living in a box feeling, im saying the entire game has way to many restictions where it almost decides for you on where to go, waht to do, and all decisions that you would make ur self. Theres so many restrictions in the game, its not a flowing game, its sharp and directs you straight towards things.
just to name a few restricted feelings things:
zone timers
instances
maps
eq2 being small in size (this is the smallest ive ever seen eq)
group restrictions on killing mobs ( 2x, 3x, 4x,)
no levitate
few ways of transportation (run, bird, ticket)
all mobs looking very similar or totally the same throughout the lvl range
Im not taking my view to a specific point, its the overall feel of the game that gives me that eerie, you have to do this and that type of thing.