Saying its linear is really an understatement. Not only the lead you by the nose "exploration" and crystarium, but you couldn't even improve your weapons or gear till your almost half way through the game. Actually more like modestly improve one weapon for one character. I'm a gear head when it come to rpg's, its one of the main reasons I like them . I like to tweek and modify my equipment. I would often grind for money to by the best gear, not so much for actual levels. I also like my overworld maps. I like the option to poke around between point A and point B. All the things I really liked about Final Fantasy are missing from XIII. Admittedly I ended up enjoying this game despite it flaws although I'm not exactly sure why. But not enough to play through it twice or more. That privilege is reserved for 5,6,7, and 9.
