Non-linearity in my opinion makes games better.

[hatmoza]

Linear is such an ugly generalization - a term easily applied to games that take you from points 'a' and 'b'.

I do not define games that allow for different options to get from-and-to those points as linear. Great examples are the Halo series, Uncharted etc. Also, games that provide different approaches to levels, such as stealthily maneuvering through obstacles and enemies should never be classified as linear. I'm sure you will find that Logan, Snake and Sam Fisher would agree with me on that. Lastly, games that have mini games and side quest (in a free environment) are automatically 'explorable' games.

Theoretically, all games are linear. There's a start and there's a finish. It is what lies inbetween (or in the paragraph above :P) that truly distinguish linear games from others Unfortunately, people are not making (or don't want to make) the distinction between linear and explorable games. Instead we have the same argument applied to all games that-God forbid- gamers did not enjoy.

The only game I can call linear without hesitation, is Final Fantasy XIII, and I play dozens of games a year. That's why when people loosely call games linear, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth... not so much that I lose sleep though XD