Seem, I always defended the game just based on "linear isnt bad", not really thinking about the reasons why its linear.
Ive also always been confused why FFX is well liked despite... also being very linear up until it opens up at the end? But XIII got memed for hallways???
X is... ok I guess but it just didn't land for me the way VII and IX did. IX is definitely the best narratively but you literally play as antifa (pun intended) in VII. don't make me pick one.