Poll: Linear vs. Non-Linear

[WillSimplyBe]

Hello again, fellow Escapists.

While looking around this site, I saw a lot of people either finding fault with a game because of its Linear storyline, finding fault with a game because of a non-linear storyline, and the opposite of each. I personally am okay with either one, but I've seen people list a "linear storyline" as a fault, and extol many games, specifically WRPGs for their Non-Linear storytelling, along with some sandbox games.

What do you personally think? Is a Linear storyline a fault? Do you read books? Are you enraged when finishing a novel because they didn't ask for your opinion? Will choices at every turn and non-linear storyline become the be-all-end-all? Is a game bad for linear storytelling? Is a game good for non-linearity?

Would it Be Better to be able to make a decision in a game for yourself, even if it meant an overall, less well written story?

 

[Jejbe]

Non-linear is superior if it's done well.

 

[theCMNDER]

For the most part I prefer linear games, they have a much higher chance of having a gripping story with good plot twists. Until non-linear games can manage this aswell, I'm not a huge fan. Although this begs the question, what games are non-linear? There are many sandbox games I would call linear which others would think aren't, because you often have a main set of missions you have to complete which follow a set LINEAR storyline, the only difference is you can mess about inbetween each part.

 

[InProgress]

As long as the game is fun and as bugless as possible, I'm happy with either one.

 

[roboosh]

oops clicked wrong thing for poll. I prefer linear, means that they can focus on making the game better rather than more of it and when playing games I like to be told what to do. Then given a corridor to go down, and I like all the doors to be suspiciously unopenable.

 

[TaborMallory]

It really depends on the game. I'm not sure how many people would jump all over Modern Warfare 2 if it was non-linear.

 

[Deathsong17]

Whicever storyline fits with the game.

 

[tk1989]

I don't think that its so much linear storyline but more linear gameplay. Effectively, all storylines are linear... lol. Gameplay, on the other hand, can be linear or not; you can choose your path sometimes, and sometimes you have to follow one which is laid out for you.

Its got nothing to do with the storyline, i have never heard anyone complain about a linear storyline before...

 

[crackdealer]

Non-linear is superior if it's done well.

It seems like apples to orange. I enjoy a good linear game done well, like HL2. But I do enjoy me some GTA:SA. So I don't think the two are comparable.

 

[electric_warrior]

games like gears of war and uncharted are excellent and linear, similarly games like falliut and oblivion are entirely non linear. both can be good if done well

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

THERE ARE NO NON-LINEAR GAMES!

Just games with Linear Stories you can access in a non-linear fashion.

Also I'd rather have a good Linear Story than a shitty "non-linear (lies)" one.

 

[Lullabye]

THERE ARE NO NON-LINEAR GAMES!

Just games with Linear Stories you can access in a non-linear fashion.

Also I'd rather have a good Linear Story than a shitty "non-linear (lies)" one.

4 minutes and 33 seconds of uniqueness.

 

[ThisNewGuy]

I usually prefer linear games when I want a good story, but I'm one of those who really liked GTA4, so I can see a good non-linear game's story.

 

[squid5580]

The problem I find with all the non linear games I have played is repetition. I am not saying I haven't played alot of repetative linear games either but there is one big difference. Linear games are usually shorter (Jrpgs not included) so by the time you get that been there done that feelin you are closer to the end.

I put in over 200 hours into Fallout 3 (that is just logged time not including deaths and restarts which there was many) but you were always fighting the same enemies in the same tunnels for the same loot.

 

[Veylon]

Linear games need a good plot so you don't constantly feel the need to make your characters abandon it. Cutscenes where the characters act like dolts are a big no-no.

Nonlinear games need lots of ignorable subplots so you can always pick up on a thread here or there, but are never forced to do anything you don't want to.

The best games (in my opinion) contain elements of both.

 

[WillSimplyBe]

heh, perhaps I couldnt correctly identify what I meant when I said "Non-Linear" sorry. However, you've pretty much gotten what I meant.
I must say, that though i'm usually fine with either, I find myself more interrested in how the story plays out in a linear game.

 

[sokka14]

I've noticed this too, a lot of people on the escapist using the term 'linear' practically as an argument against a game, and even people apologizing that they like a game in spite of the fact it's linear. I'm not really sure what this is all about. There is nothing wrong with linearity, indeed it is often better than the jumbled mess of the non-linear.

Like the OP says, "Are you enraged when finishing a novel because they didn't ask for your opinion?" This sums it up rather nicely. As far as I'm concerned, a true non-linear game (not that they really exist, I agree with Pedro on this) would be one where you almost write your own story, and I don't see the point of that. There is a difference between freedom (which you do still get in linear games) and a meaningless fuck-around.

Just to be clear, I don't hate non-linear games, in fact I like them. But it annoys me when people appear to think that 'non-linear' is synonymous with 'good'. There are good and bad things about linear and non-linear games. I happen to generally prefer linear games.

 

[iain62a]

I'm cool with either.

 

[MBFCPresident]

I feel both types of games have different strengths that can be utilized to great capacity. Simply stating that a game is better or worse because it's one of these is just plain ignorant. It's about what makes the game better, linear or non.

 

[Cartman2nd]

Both is OK. Would Half-Life 2 be better with non-linear storytelling? Would Fallout 3 be better with a linear storyline? If you awnsered yes, your stupid.