That’s not what that means. Wide as an ocean means there’s a ton and variety of content. No one calls Bethesda games barren. They are packed with content. Deep as a puddle means while there’s s lot, it’s all very simple. Uninteresting quest chains, simple systems, rote stories, etc.
Wide as an ocean means there’s a ton and variety of content.
No, it doesn’t. It means that the game seems huge, because of the size of the playable map.
The lack of content is what makes it as shallow as a puddle.
No one calls Bethesda games barren
Google literally ANY Bethesda game and add “barren” and you’ll find tons of complaints. Hell, add critical reviews, even some of the good ones call them empty.