Two month old bump because sandbox games never get old as long as you take long breaks between phases of playing them.
I discovered that for me, turning the HUD opacity to 0% and never opening the map while sandboxing makes the game insanely fun to play. I feel more immersed in the game, and the map size really shines. You just have to get used to not being able to see your health and heat and weapons. I also have unbreakable rope, infinite health and infinite ammo, so that could have something to do with it. \(;D)/