I have to admit, I don't mind the linearity of the maps at all. When you aren't actively looking to see how linear it is, there is plenty to distract you - cutscenes, random occurances, looking behind you because they always put a chest behind where you start off in a new area, et cetera.

It plays well enough with the story that I never once sat down and was thinking "GEE THIS GAME IS SO HORRIBLY LINEAR," and I've played through every Final Fantasy.