I think this is an interesting discussion because one game I LOATHE (you all know it) was criticized for being way too linear, but I actually love linear games! I mean, I like freedom, too, but a game is as good as its quality, not its narrative type. Two of my favorite games and RPG's are Final Fantasy X and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. One is known for its linearity, the other known for its nonlinearity, and I think both narrative and gameplay styles have their place in gaming.
Hell, my single all-time favorite game is Final Fantasy VI: a Game that encompasses both linear and nonlinear gameplay flawlessly. the world of Balance is pretty linear save a few branching paths, and the world of Ruin is almost entirely nonlinear, save the first little bit.
Needless to say, Both linear and non-linear games can be great, it's a matter of what you do within those constraints.
My Console Library:
PS5, Switch, XSX
PS4, PS3, PS2, PS1, WiiU, Wii, GCN, N64 SNES, XBO, 360
3DS, DS, GBA, Vita, PSP, Android
