POV button.
In contrast to the First person view, all I want is a button (as in keyboard or mouse) that gives you a small window.
The window would contain only 3 or 9 squares, signifying 1 space directly in front of you, and the areas above and below that area. around it. Adding the items beside those areas would look nice, but are not as important as directly in front.
For safety reasons, you have to hold down that button and direction you want to move. While pressed, you also prevent yourself from moving.
This will be used to identify stairs, walls, and floors. Because it only looks 1 square beyond, this does not directly alter game play or aesthetic effects of the game.