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Linear is not the direction the game takes you, linear is your ability to explore routes individually. Gen 5s route design is impeccable. Almost every single route has an extra area or secrets to explore. Stuff you can only come back to later in the game, or side content. t.co/UMWbeifxUF
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and I mean almost literally EVERY ROUTE. I think only route 2 might genuinely be the only one that's just a line from one town to another with nothing else. All of them have surf paths, caves, or hidden areas via waterfall. It's INSANE.