I felt this too, I think the world feels alive but I think it could feel even more so with little background noise details like this:
For example, when in freeplay it’d be awesome to hear creatures roaring way off in the distance and like background insect type noises (especially at night). Then in Fort Tarsis, I think it could use some more background chatter around the market (think of a crowded restaurant), maybe some more mechanical/welding type sounds, and steam running through pipes. Fort Tarsis just sounded a little quiet to me as well.
Thanks Jer for taking the time, not sure you’ll see this but hope you do :)