Pathfinding games

This is the term I am going to use for a narrow band of games just above walking simulators and just below platformers and proper metroivanias.
– first person 3D game (third person 3D games often are straight platformers);
– navigating the environment is the main gameplay but the navigation doesn't rely on skill too much, and more on perception on where the goal is and how to get there;
– navigation of environment is usually made more interesting than just walking; often some additional modes of movement could be unlocked later in a game, even if this is something as simple as ability to run;
– great vista and generally a good sense of discovery;
– often some environmental storytelling or a story told on a way;
– often non-linear environments, parts of which could be unlocked later in game, similar to metroidvania;
– light puzzles are possible;
– combat is possible but is simplistic and unrefined, and most often monsters (if any) are avoided until later part of the game when the game sometimes gives a player character some means to deal with dangers more directly;
– generally more relaxing than a platformer would be but more engaging than straight walking simulator would be and not as complex as metroidvania;

So 'Dear Esther' or 'Everyone's gone to the Rapture' are not pathfinder games because the movement itself doesn't change and environments are pretty linear, but Infernium (minus monsters) is, as you progress to get better Dash and get into new areas with some choice as to where to go.

I count only a handful of pathfinder games:
– NaissainceE (despite having no story);
– Infernium (turn all monsters off – believe me, it is better this way);
– Valley (has most combat of all of them)
– The Wild Eternal (I recall thinking 'this is what walking simulators should be' at some point)