discussion Do you prefer games with a linear or nonlinear story?

[bigshot3332]

I like making impact, and I especially like chasing after specific characters instead of just being shown everyone. Let me make my own harem, dammit!

 

[mehgg]

Both are great. I tend to mix it up. Non-linear games tend to be much longer and can be exhausting if I don't take a break.

 

[poisonthewell]

Both for different reasons. If i know something isn't linear beforehand then I can prepare myself to take it slow and relax into it.

 

[dkkop]

Nonlinear if done well is the best, but it's a lot of effort to do right and often leads to a lot of meandering around trying to figure what you have to do to trigger a flag, like checking every location related to a character to see if you missed a certain event or pickup.

A linear story is much easier to do well and keep cohesive.

 

[dudetts]

I prefer linear because I can't be arsed to replay games. In non linear games I feel forced to use a guide to see most of the game on the first go

 

[CndnViking]

SOME linearity to the broad plot is fine, but my question would be: is this a game or just a visual novel? Cause it's not like we get a lot of "gameplay" in these things, right? So the only thing that really makes them a "game" is being able to make choices, so if it's strict 100% linear, it's not a game.

So like, I'm fine if it always ends up in more or less the same place in the end, but if there's NO branching story at all that allows us to impact it, then just call it a visual novel and be done with it.

 

[archaelon01]

Depends a lot in how it's done. I like both if they're done right. Hard to say one or the other, but a linear good game is definitely better than a non-linear bad game, where the game doesn't tell you anything or at least give hints about what you're supposed to do.

 

[shakazulu232]

Usually linear, but ok with multiple plot lines

 

[iNobble]

Not a fan of KNs, I like to have some freedom and flexibility in how I play. I think it's more immersive, and gives more of an incentive to re-play the game. I think that's one of the reasons Being a Dik is constantly championed as the best VN. No 2 runs are ever the same

 

[asvgdad]

I like making decisions on my own so I prefer nonlinear. When there is only one option, I feel like I am getting forced to choose that in order to proceed.

 

[HankJohn]

Love non-linear. But seen games get abandoned for being too ambitious on it.

 

[Nowaise]

For games, either SFW or NSFW, do you prefer linear or nonlinear stories? Do you like having to make choices to alter what happens or prefer to simply experience a predetermined story?

Personally I prefer nonlinear, I like making choices that have meaning and gives those games a lot of replayability!

Nonlinear stories leave more options for interesting storytelling, but a linear story is much easier to tell and follow, not to mention it gives the author the most power over the experience, so you usually get a higher quality product. I prefer experiencing the former, but they're very hit-or-miss.

 

[victor27115]

I really like non-linear games—first of all, because the story changes significantly; you can replay them making different choices and the story shifts again. You have to think, put yourself in the character's shoes, and decide whether a move will be for the best or the worst. *Baldur's Gate* GOTY.

 

[Good penguin]

Games with a linear plot (novels) are a bit boring for me. It's easier to go read comics. I want to feel like I'm playing a game, not just clicking through dialogue.

 

[azhomeboy]

Non-linear, but with the author/developer having a vision or story that they are holding to... so small variations, but a well-written story being told.