The phrase "linear experience" means going through a certain process or storyline in a straight and direct way without any major deviations or alternate paths. Full definition
These open world areas really help The Evil Within 2 stand apart from other survival - horror titles, which tend to be more linear experiences. (playiplay.com)
While the first game was a very linear experience with only one way to reach your objective and waist high walls scattered around the level, Uncharted 2 fixes all of this. (monstervine.com)
The new open world structure works well, and the less linear experience really shines. (metacritic.com)