Topic: Linear vs Non-linear

Which genre do you prefer or why do you like Linear or Non-Linear?

To me I love games being linear because of three things.

1.Its straightforward so getting to know what to do is not a problem.

2.Linear games are more curious than Non-linear to my taste because you need something to get to the next path unlike Non-linear where you can just about go anywhere you want.

3.Punishment in linear games are fair unlike Non-Linear( Example in Super Mario 64, you have the option to save before you die but in Super Metroid, you have to go to the save machine inorder to save forcing you to stay alive.)

For the most part I prefer a linear experience, but I do like having some freedom to explore.

I like both, but I usually prefer linear. In a linear game, you give the developer total control over what you do, how you progress and what you feel. On some days though it's nice to jump into a big world and explore at your own pace.

I don't like games which are linear but pretend to be non-linear though. If there's a lot of backtracking but functionally it's the same thing as walking in a straight line, I get bored really quickly.

Linear. Very simple, it means less possibilities and thus less work required to make good video game levels. Also, there aren't as many non-linear games as you probably think there are or the non-linear parts are limited.

I tend to agree.

The reason I like video games, as opposed to movies, is because of the ability to interact with a world in different ways that aren't dictated by someone. Everyone has a different experience with a video game, but the most different experiences come from games that are non-linear. I still love linear though. I dig a good, deeply thought out story every now and then.

@Kodeen you'd have to find them or get back to your ship well guarded and all of a sudden, you die..........doomed.

I like completely linear if its a short game (i.e. Contra 3) and something that can be played through in under an hour. These games, if the gameplay is good, can be played over and over again.

I like non-linear if its a longer game (GTA, Red Dead) and something that you will be spending 10-20+ hours with. The ability to deviate from the main story and explore the world (race cars, blow up things, etc) adds a lot of replay value.

I'll say something kinda inbetween (I guess linear with a touch of exploration), like "Metroidvanias", action-adventure, or slightly more linear RPGs. Stuff like Metroid Fusion, Twilight Princess, or Kingdom Hearts are straightforward enough, while still offering enough side attractions to keep you busy.

When it comes to completely linear games (like Mario platformers), while some are very well made & memorable games, unless they're really short, I usually only play them once every few years, if that.

On the other side of the spectrum, real open games like GTA or RDR, while great games, seem to be so big that I get overwhelmed with all the freedom, and never complete their main stories...

i prefer non-linear or linear with sidequests/hidden stuff, it adds replay-value if you can do things a bit differently in the next playthrough...

There are a lot of nonlinear games that let you save anywhere. If Super Metroid's save points are a turn off, that is a point against the game, not nonlinearity in general. You can save any time in Elder Scrolls, for instance.

I love both types of games. Save points can be frustrating, but I assume they were just a product of the era. Perhaps cartridges were limited in how much data could be saved.

I like both, but I prefer linear games unless the nonlinear game is done right or appeals to me. With nonlinear games, I like exploring the worlds, but only as long as they're actually fun and interesting. I like just being able to jump right into a linear game without nessicarily having to spend time exploring it to get where I want.

I think the best kind of game is linear enough to just go through it and points you in the right direction, but also encourages or requires some kind of exploration at some points. So yeah, a linear game with nonlinear elements. That way you can get through the game without having to explore too much but you have the freedom to explore and get rewarded for it if you want to.

Yup that's me. I like my games really linear, but I do like secret areas.

I like little non linearity (say something like a rpg with a clear objective but also sidequest and optional stuff) I don't lie full non-linear sandbox type games

I like both but for linear games once the game is done it's done with little replay value, non-linear games got replay value and you could do more stuff so I would go with non-linear.