The world I have explored is quite expansive and atmospheric. True, the game dows have a bread crum quest arc. But I definitly feel the world is rungs above anything i'v played before.
With so many new MMO's coming out in 2012 it is hard to tell if SWTOR is going to be THE biggest game. Look at all the competition, Diablo 3 (if it ever comes out), Tera, Guild Wars 2, ArcheAge, Rift.