Why is linearity considered bad?

Alot of games are linear... many RPG's, come to think of it, are linear in some ways. for instance, Chrono Trigger. Love the game to death, but, it's really quite linear. Sure, you can technically go anywhere but in order to progress the story, you must go to a specific location and do a specific thing. Another RPG that could, in a way, be considered linear, are the KOTOR games. Sure, you can choose the order to go to different locations, but, really, most of the locations were going from point A to point B. Yet I never hear anything about these games being linear.

I'm just wondering why linearity is considered a bad thing, especially on SW.

i don't think its bad, but i gotta admit, final fantasy 13 was bad, most games hide the linearity but ff13 didn't even try to hide it. Go to point A to point B..hmm lets throw a couple of monsters in it. yeah

It's not bad at all.

IT'S JUST OVERUSED WAY TOO MUCH.

Exploration is almost looked down upon. It's like they don't want us to explore the world they explore.

Oh, and of course there's this that some of us who are tired of 2010, andwant more of 1993.

[spoiler] [/spoiler]

i don't think its bad, but i gotta admit, final fantasy 13 was bad, most games hide the linearity but ff13 didn't even try to hide it. Go to point A to point B..hmm lets throw a couple of monsters in it. yeah

Chris_Williams

Well I hear so many people say linearity is usally bad. When, really, I'd say the majority of SP games are linear. (With obvious exceptions.)

imho i think linear games are more fun than non linear games.

Well, H-L 2 was very linear yet is still the best FPS out there so yea, linearity isn't bad per-se. And I personally don't like open-world games like GTA IV. I also found Oblivion to be pretty boring after some time.

[QUOTE="Chris_Williams"]

i don't think its bad, but i gotta admit, final fantasy 13 was bad, most games hide the linearity but ff13 didn't even try to hide it. Go to point A to point B..hmm lets throw a couple of monsters in it. yeah

turtlethetaffer

Well I hear so many people say linearity is usally bad. When, really, I'd say the majority of SP games are linear. (With obvious exceptions.)

RPGs should all be open-world. When they aren't they feel like a FPS corridor shooter.topsemag55

I guess you don't like dungeon crawlers then :P

I'd much rather play a linear game than an open world game any day. Not many non-linear games have good stories. You can tell a story alot better in a linear game. Randoggy

IMHO, you get to tell a MOVIE story better in a linear game. You definitely tell a better story when you're in an open world where you can choose where and when to go.

People want to explore and have multiple ways of (re)playing a game.

[QUOTE="Randoggy"]I'd much rather play a linear game than an open world game any day. Not many non-linear games have good stories. You can tell a story alot better in a linear game. ChubbyGuy40

IMHO, you get to tell a MOVIE story better in a linear game. You definitely tell a better story when you're in an open world where you can choose where and when to go.

Theres nothing wrong with linearity but in the case of FFXIII, the game was too linear. The game pretty much disregarded any form of exploration, freedom and player interactivity. An well sorry that is not what FF or JRPGs in general are known for.

I first thought open world games have more re-playability than linear games, I end up replaying my linear games more than open world games. raskullibur

Same here. The amount of times I've replayed MGS4 and Uncharted 2 is rediculous.

[QUOTE="raskullibur"]I first thought open world games have more re-playability than linear games, I end up replaying my linear games more than open world games. Randoggy

Same here. The amount of times I've replayed MGS4 and Uncharted 2 is rediculous.

Surprisingly, I think Star Wars the Force Unleashed may be my most replayed game... ten times is alot wouldn't you say? Although I have also replayed RE4 a crap ton of times.

I think people miss exploration in games rather than consider linearity bad. A game can be linear but have a few side paths or hidden areas to find and all will be well. It seems that aspect of gaming has gone though.

It's not bad, it's usually just an excuse given to hate on the game :P It does get in the way sometimes. I've never played it, but from what I've seen; Final Fantasy 13's linearity is a bit "too much", especially for an RPG. There are plenty of linear and non-linear games, and each of them have their advantages and disadvantages.

[QUOTE="ChubbyGuy40"]

[QUOTE="Randoggy"]I'd much rather play a linear game than an open world game any day. Not many non-linear games have good stories. You can tell a story alot better in a linear game. Randoggy

IMHO, you get to tell a MOVIE story better in a linear game. You definitely tell a better story when you're in an open world where you can choose where and when to go.

Some people (like me) don't care about the stories. We just want to play the game.

Open-world games provide a greater sense of freedom and therefore a more immersive game experience.

Dungeon crawlers, even though they're "technically" linear, still feel open-world because you're always experiencing something new and fresh.

I guess it's a question as to whether or not you prefer randomization or scripted stuff in your games.

Because it's cool to complain about linearity.

It's more like a sliding scale to me, the more balanced the linearity to openness is the more it maximizes my entertainment. The more strickly linear it becomes the more it degrades the entertainment for me. Just don't design games too linearly and straightforward, people need a little breathing room to explore.

Except it doesn't solve the problem. People are just going to want something new and improved eventually that cater to them. Not to be ignored by developers.Crossel777

Its not bad. People are just weird like that. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean its bad.

Its not bad. People are just weird like that. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean its bad.

ActicEdge

Like FFXIII. Take the game for what it is and it's actually pretty good.

I don't like being told exactly what to do, some freedom is nice. Plus when you're limited, it takes away a lot of the "exploration". I like to actually view the effor the developers put in making the game, not just rush to the end.

God of War 3 was really linear, but it pulled it off at a pretty good pace and still managed to hide a lot of secrets.

Its not bad, depending on the game (UC2), but for RPG's more exploration would be nice (Tales)

It's more like a sliding scale to me, the more balanced the linearity to openness is the more it maximizes my entertainment. The more strickly linear it becomes the more it degrades the entertainment for me. Just don't design games too linearly and straightforward, people need a little breathing room to explore.

jer_1

The sliding scale of entertainment for me is the ratio of cutscenes to gameplay.

More cutscenes = more linearity = LESS FUN

Less cutscenes = more exploration = more choice = MORE FUN

Video game stories can NEVER match up to the quality of a really good movie/TV show, so why bother trying so hard?

Assassin's Creed brotherhood=Garbage,trash,crap; RDR=overrated; infamous=overrated; Uncharted 2=AWESOME EPICNESSS

Its not bad. People are just weird like that. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean its bad.

ActicEdge

You know, I wish it was that simple sometimes Actic, I just wish it was.:P

As for linearity, it's not so bad. I like linear games as they normally provide a more enjoyable time for me, since I don't have the free time to game like many @ SW. One of the reasons why I'm not getting Skyrim this November, as I simply don't have the time.:P

Assassin's Creed brotherhood=Garbage,trash,crap; RDR=overrated; infamous=overrated; Uncharted 2=AWESOME EPICNESSS

charlesdarwin55

How was ACB garbage? Although I agree RDR is overrated.

Linearity isn't so much the problem imo.

It's the lack of variety, or choice for me.

A game like CoD truly is just point A - B with no variety, and I don't like that.

A game like Half Life, however, is just as linear, but the variety of the weapons keeps me coming back because each time I play the game I can do different things, so it feels fresh. Sometimes I just want to try to beat the whole game with a crowbar, or use the gravity gun, and a single razor blade that I have to pick up over and over, or maybe I want to run over the hunters with my car this time rather than shoot explosives at them, or yada yada whatever.

I have the same deal with these action-heavy, cinematic games that come out nowadays. The big blockbusters of the consoles usually contain these elements (such as Uncharted). It's fun the first time through, but why even play a second time? You'll be funneled through the same corridors, you will trigger the same set pieces at the exact same time as the last time you played....

I just don't see much value to these games.

Linearity isn't so much the problem imo.

It's the lack of variety, or choice for me.

A game like CoD truly is just point A - B with no variety, and I don't like that.

A game like Half Life, however, is just as linear, but the variety of the weapons keeps me coming back because each time I play the game I can do different things, so it feels fresh. Sometimes I just want to try to beat the whole game with a crowbar, or use the gravity gun, and a single razor blade that I have to pick up over and over, or maybe I want to run over the hunters with my car this time rather than shoot explosives at them, or yada yada whatever.

I have the same deal with these action-heavy, cinematic games that come out nowadays. The big blockbusters of the consoles usually contain these elements (such as Uncharted). It's fun the first time through, but why even play a second time? You'll be funneled through the same corridors, you will trigger the same set pieces at the exact same time as the last time you played....

I just don't see much value to these games.

Ly_the_Fairy

I asked in another thread, how are you enjoying Viewtiful Joe?

Linearity isn't so much the problem imo.

It's the lack of variety, or choice for me.

A game like CoD truly is just point A - B with no variety, and I don't like that.

A game like Half Life, however, is just as linear, but the variety of the weapons keeps me coming back because each time I play the game I can do different things, so it feels fresh. Sometimes I just want to try to beat the whole game with a crowbar, or use the gravity gun, and a single razor blade that I have to pick up over and over, or maybe I want to run over the hunters with my car this time rather than shoot explosives at them, or yada yada whatever.

I have the same deal with these action-heavy, cinematic games that come out nowadays. The big blockbusters of the consoles usually contain these elements (such as Uncharted). It's fun the first time through, but why even play a second time? You'll be funneled through the same corridors, you will trigger the same set pieces at the exact same time as the last time you played....

I just don't see much value to these games.

Ly_the_Fairy

[QUOTE="ActicEdge"]

Its not bad. People are just weird like that. Just because you don't like something doesn't mean its bad.

sanim02

You know, I wish it was that simple sometimes Actic, I just wish it was.:P

As for linearity, it's not so bad. I like linear games as they normally provide a more enjoyable time for me, since I don't have the free time to game like many @ SW. One of the reasons why I'm not getting Skyrim this November, as I simply don't have the time.:P

I like both. Linear games usually have more polish as the set path is just generally really well done. I like that. I also like being able to explore too. Only 1 existing would be terrible.

[QUOTE="charlesdarwin55"]

Assassin's Creed brotherhood=Garbage,trash,crap; RDR=overrated; infamous=overrated; Uncharted 2=AWESOME EPICNESSS

turtlethetaffer

How was ACB garbage? Although I agree RDR is overrated.

Linearity isn't so much the problem imo.

It's the lack of variety, or choice for me.

A game like CoD truly is just point A - B with no variety, and I don't like that.

A game like Half Life, however, is just as linear, but the variety of the weapons keeps me coming back because each time I play the game I can do different things, so it feels fresh. Sometimes I just want to try to beat the whole game with a crowbar, or use the gravity gun, and a single razor blade that I have to pick up over and over, or maybe I want to run over the hunters with my car this time rather than shoot explosives at them, or yada yada whatever.

I have the same deal with these action-heavy, cinematic games that come out nowadays. The big blockbusters of the consoles usually contain these elements (such as Uncharted). It's fun the first time through, but why even play a second time? You'll be funneled through the same corridors, you will trigger the same set pieces at the exact same time as the last time you played....

I just don't see much value to these games.

Ly_the_Fairy

[QUOTE="turtlethetaffer"]

[QUOTE="charlesdarwin55"]

Assassin's Creed brotherhood=Garbage,trash,crap; RDR=overrated; infamous=overrated; Uncharted 2=AWESOME EPICNESSS

charlesdarwin55

How was ACB garbage? Although I agree RDR is overrated.

The story was alright (I'm not into the conspiracy stuff but I can see how people like it), the combat was fun, the framerate held up pretty well, the VA was superb and most of the characters were at least decent.

[QUOTE="Ly_the_Fairy"]

Linearity isn't so much the problem imo.

It's the lack of variety, or choice for me.

A game like CoD truly is just point A - B with no variety, and I don't like that.

A game like Half Life, however, is just as linear, but the variety of the weapons keeps me coming back because each time I play the game I can do different things, so it feels fresh. Sometimes I just want to try to beat the whole game with a crowbar, or use the gravity gun, and a single razor blade that I have to pick up over and over, or maybe I want to run over the hunters with my car this time rather than shoot explosives at them, or yada yada whatever.

I have the same deal with these action-heavy, cinematic games that come out nowadays. The big blockbusters of the consoles usually contain these elements (such as Uncharted). It's fun the first time through, but why even play a second time? You'll be funneled through the same corridors, you will trigger the same set pieces at the exact same time as the last time you played....

I just don't see much value to these games.

turtlethetaffer

I asked in another thread, how are you enjoying Viewtiful Joe?

[QUOTE="turtlethetaffer"]

[QUOTE="charlesdarwin55"]

Assassin's Creed brotherhood=Garbage,trash,crap; RDR=overrated; infamous=overrated; Uncharted 2=AWESOME EPICNESSS

charlesdarwin55

How was ACB garbage? Although I agree RDR is overrated.

FrameRate? Its a open world game, its expected.

Awful voiceacting?Did you just say Nolan North, AKA Drake, was a bad voice actor? Seriously?

Characters?I'll give you that.

[QUOTE="Ly_the_Fairy"]

Linearity isn't so much the problem imo.

It's the lack of variety, or choice for me.

A game like CoD truly is just point A - B with no variety, and I don't like that.

A game like Half Life, however, is just as linear, but the variety of the weapons keeps me coming back because each time I play the game I can do different things, so it feels fresh. Sometimes I just want to try to beat the whole game with a crowbar, or use the gravity gun, and a single razor blade that I have to pick up over and over, or maybe I want to run over the hunters with my car this time rather than shoot explosives at them, or yada yada whatever.

I have the same deal with these action-heavy, cinematic games that come out nowadays. The big blockbusters of the consoles usually contain these elements (such as Uncharted). It's fun the first time through, but why even play a second time? You'll be funneled through the same corridors, you will trigger the same set pieces at the exact same time as the last time you played....

I just don't see much value to these games.

TrapJak

I can watch as many movies as I want for $7.99 on Netflix.

I have to pay $60 for a game.

When I pay for that game, I expect it to have IMMENSE replay value.

Cutscene-driven games almost never have that (with a few exceptions).

I'm not going to pay for a $60 movie, no matter HOW well the set-pieces are designed.

[QUOTE="TrapJak"]

[QUOTE="Ly_the_Fairy"]

Linearity isn't so much the problem imo.

It's the lack of variety, or choice for me.

A game like CoD truly is just point A - B with no variety, and I don't like that.

A game like Half Life, however, is just as linear, but the variety of the weapons keeps me coming back because each time I play the game I can do different things, so it feels fresh. Sometimes I just want to try to beat the whole game with a crowbar, or use the gravity gun, and a single razor blade that I have to pick up over and over, or maybe I want to run over the hunters with my car this time rather than shoot explosives at them, or yada yada whatever.

I have the same deal with these action-heavy, cinematic games that come out nowadays. The big blockbusters of the consoles usually contain these elements (such as Uncharted). It's fun the first time through, but why even play a second time? You'll be funneled through the same corridors, you will trigger the same set pieces at the exact same time as the last time you played....

I just don't see much value to these games.

peterw007

I can watch as many movies as I want for $7.99 on Netflix.

I have to pay $60 for a game.

When I pay for that game, I expect it to have IMMENSE replay value.

Cutscene-driven games almost never have that (with a few exceptions).

I'm not going to pay for a $60 movie, no matter HOW well the set-pieces are designed.

And most movies are 2-3 hours long. Uncharted is 10.

[QUOTE="charlesdarwin55"]

[QUOTE="turtlethetaffer"]

How was ACB garbage? Although I agree RDR is overrated.

TrapJak

FrameRate? Its a open world game, its expected.

Awful voiceacting?Did you just say Nolan North, AKA Drake, was a bad voice actor? Seriously?

Characters?I'll give you that.

[QUOTE="charlesdarwin55"]

[QUOTE="turtlethetaffer"]

How was ACB garbage? Although I agree RDR is overrated.

TrapJak

FrameRate? Its a open world game, its expected.

Awful voiceacting?Did you just say Nolan North, AKA Drake, was a bad voice actor? Seriously?

Characters?I'll give you that.