17th September 2004, 12:10 PM
The fact that Morrowind is so popular despite it's terrible graphics and combat system speaks volumes on the qualities of open-ended gameplay design. It wouldn't be a hundredth as popular as it is if it were linear like KOTOR. And it's a game that you will play much, much longer than KOTOR.
Linear games definitely serve their purpose, but it depends on the genre. I wouldn't want a Mario game that didn't have even linearity and structure, but for RPGs and the like, non-linearity is a must. It's fun to play through a game like FF every once in a while, but the games where you'll keep on coming back solely for the gameplay are the ones that offer you the freedom to do whatever you want.
Linear games definitely serve their purpose, but it depends on the genre. I wouldn't want a Mario game that didn't have even linearity and structure, but for RPGs and the like, non-linearity is a must. It's fun to play through a game like FF every once in a while, but the games where you'll keep on coming back solely for the gameplay are the ones that offer you the freedom to do whatever you want.