Linear vs Open World, what do u prefer??

There are some exceptions, of course, but I usually prefer a linear games. Linear games usually have a better progression in terms of challenge and usually have less disjointed plots, which leads to a more memorable experience.

It really depends on how they are handled

If a game is linear then the gameplay and/or level design has to be top notch. There also has to be great deal of challenge to keep me interested. A game more focused on story and presentation than gameplay never keeps my interest.

If a game is open world then it can't just be empty space, there needs to be a reason to explore every nook and cranny

In the end, I feel the best games are a little bit open ended and a little bit linear like Metroid, Arkham City, Zelda, and Pikmin.

Depends on the game I guess

Neither really. Just depends on the type of game, and how well it's done.

Depends on the game for me too really.

Dark Souls is more open than Demon's souls yet I enjoyed Demon's souls more.

as an example: I think it's about the quality of the actual game and not the type of game that makes my preference. I enjoy GREAT games. If a game can be linear and as great as Demon's souls then I am all for it, Open world is great if it can take that larger world and actually make it enjoyable.

I have also enjoyed larger open games like FFXII and Shenmue. So I guess a game just has to be great/amazing for me to enjoy it and game type never really had a thought process in that selection for me.

I prefer Open Ended leve design. Whatever that means.

I prefer Open world for the most part, but if there is a game that is linear, but has great gameplay and story i chose that

depends on the game. duh

A decent mix of the two. If the game is to linear then it's usually a one and done. If the game is too open then chances are theres no real story and you're just doing a bunch of fetch quests for extremely generic NPC's. Part of the reason I consider games like Mass Effect 2, Shenmue, Dead Rising, and Final Fantasy VII to be among my all time favorites is because they all did an excellent job managing that balance.

I prefer open world games.

i like both

Both at the same time

I can dig both, but I prefer linear. I think somewhere in the middle is ideal tho.

Linear

I find alot of openworld games tend to become repetitive quickly, and make you waste alot of time getting from point A to B

you can't experiences like the last of us, God of War, and uncharted in open world games. I do like open world, but linear experiences are just more epic.

Depends on the game.

Typically, I enjoy a mix. The only game to truly nail open-world (IMO) was FC3. Even that had some linear parts.

Whichever is the better game.

Also you forgot hub based like DeusEx or DAO.

Linear is better for story telling while open world is more fun to mess around in. I like them both

I can actually agree with you for once in a long time. Huge open levels that are still pretty linear are really great. Like Crysis did.

i love both, but being too linear is bad all day...

i like games that give me nice areas to work so i can go about it the way i want not just straight down one line

open world games like Skyrim are a borefest for me but something like Deus Ex HR is more around my alley.

Dear god open world times a billion. I hate linear gaming. $60 for a 6-10 hr game with no replay value? No thanks.

Open Environments are the best. Like Deus Ex and The witcher 2. Where they give you sections of the games that are kinda large but not really huge and you can progress through the area without having to go back and forth too much, then move on to the next open environment. So not the whole game map is open right away but sections by sections.

As long as it's not 'walk through this area whilst this character talks to you and a bunch of shit happens that you can watch happening' linear like TLoU, I don't mind but overall I prefer open world or games which offer expansive areas.

I don't care for sandbox games except for gta and infamous, but I can't stand games where all you do is go forward. If that's the case the games should just be on rails.

I think balance is key. There should be a set path for the player to go, but the game world should be fun and there should be areas where the player can deviate from the main path if they choose.

Both have their place, and there is no use nor reason in choosing one over the other. It's frankly ridiculous.

I enjoy tight games which are well planned, but on the other hand, I really, really, enjoyed Black Flag. There is room for both styles. Indeed, i hope they continue to make both styles.

agree

I wasn't quite expecting Linear to have the lead over Open-World...

I can't really say one or the other. It simply depends on the game. Some games which were amazing open-world experiences, would have been substantially diminished had they been linear. Some games which were amazing linear experiences, would have been substantially diminished had they been open-world.

I do find it interesting though that today, at least on the internet, "linear" games are considered bad by default. Idiots will post "lol linear" as if that somehow diminishes the game automatically or are trying to "put down" an otherwise impressive looking title. Some of the best games I've played have been 100% linear. Some of the worst games I've played have been more open-world. This mindset that linear=bad needs to die a painful death and those who promote this idea need to be shunned. Severely.

it depends on the game, period.

Even open world games should have some area's that are more constrained and controlled, and on the flipside more linear games should have area's that really let you go all out.

Witcher 3 looks better than any game i've ever played though, I think that says that when open world games are done right they're just more impressive.

i enjoy open linear worlds

Far Cry 3 with Reset Outposts is just right for me. I like the perogative to be mine and not to be guided along or being told what to do.

For flight sims, FSX is just right too. If I have the time, I can head east and go around the world, eventually coming back from the west.

I think I'll choose hubs instead ala Human Revolution or Vampire Bloodlines.

Depends on the game. Some sandbox games are done quite well. Problem is, most only have maybe a 10 hour quest and another 30 to 100 hours of errand running in a very linear environment of fast travel and GPS.

Oh, it looks like Open World has taken the lead now...

Where is the, 'I love great games regardless of their direction', option?

It depends on the game but overall I like open world games.

Semi open, games like Uncharted, Killzone are just to fucking boring because of the linear experience.

I've chosen linear but the honest truth i like semi open worlds. the problem is every game could be open world as long as there is no empty space,

The whole red dead redemption was "GREAT" rubbish, is that, it's rubbish once you finish the main linear story there isn't anything to do. you can play poker wow, you can get drunk and do nothing but work around where are the bar fights, what happened to the prostitution which was a main thing back in them days. the great wilderness had barely anything of true interest once you killed your first animal and that dam cut scene. there were barely any towns to visit well know there was 2 in america part, the only good thing in the game was going down to mexico. that game showed that a open world game to me was a waste so much potiential for out of the main story gameplay.

Same with gta as well so much eye candy but not much interaction, i stumbled across a small caravan in gta v which was hidden away in this remote forest which i got to through a sewage/drain pipe it looked interesting but there was nothing to do there.

for me now that we have reached a point where consoles have enough ram to fit things in, open world games need medium size maps, but every building has something to do in it. i think man y developers feel bigger is better when reality is, small and lots of interactive or accessible buildings is better and alot more meaningful side missions would drive me more towards open world.

but for the most party story and gameplay for me is the most important not the type of world you play in.

Open world, as long as it's fun to play and there are always things to do, like in Rockstar and Bethesda games.

All games are linear even sandbox like GTA.

What you have is bigger freedom and more open spaces,but regardless of how open and how many choices you have,you MOST fallow a line to advance in game.

If I wanted to wander around aimlessly I'll leave the house. LINEAR VIDEO GAMES!!!

I struggle to get immersed with invisible walls everywhere.

@Bread_or_Decide:

^ excellently put.

@xboxdone74: Just got Tomb Raider and holy cow. What a beautiful and exciting linear game experience.