There's nothing wrong with linear. In fact there is more right with linear than non-linear. So why is it with games there is a growing demand for non-linear game play? In case you've forgotten but all those "Choose Your Own Adventure" books sucked. Remember how you used to keep your thumb in place in case you made a bad choice. Non-linear video games are the same thing. Sometimes the're worse, sometimes they choke you with options. Although it is fun I can't play Oblivion because I get to caught up in trying to do everything. Trying to be everything to everyone.
Linear game play is more conducive to telling a good story. A good story is almost always the key element to any good video game.
In case your wondering, this is how you do it.
I'm not saying that things should be ultra rigid. Flexibility is important, and options are fun. I play Harvest Moon, and one of the things I enjoy the most is getting all the upgrades and power berries. It makes me feel like I'm cheating the game somehow. But I often read a review in which the critic laments the game for it's linear quality. For me that's a mark in the pro column.
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