Final Fantasy XVI Is Linear Like XIII
One of the biggest criticisms people had with Final Fantasy XIII was how linear it was because, for a large chunk of the game, you are being introduced to new game mechanics so it can feel like you are stuck in a tutorial for a long time. There isn’t the ability to explore the areas much as it’s all just literal corridors designed to make you keep going straight. I am someone who enjoys Final Fantasy XIII a lot but I don’t think the linearity is the issue with that game, I believe the storytelling is. It relies a lot on the data log to fill in the blanks because the cutscenes don’t do a good job of explaining the story. Then again I am biased because I prefer games with linear, well-done stories rather than games that have a lot of breadth but all too often don’t have much depth. Even if they do have a lot of depth, chances are due to the volume of content most players won’t see it so I question the need for it other than for marketing purposes. That being said I do understand the need for these games sometimes because not everyone can buy lots of games and so buying one huge game that lasts a long time has value to people. I know it did to me in earlier parts of my life.
Final Fantasy XIII isn’t the only linear game in the series either, a lot of the games are. Final Fantasy VII is based solely in the city of Midgar for the first 5 or so hours of the game and it’s largely just…
