I agree with FFX and Xenosaga. Both games were pretty linear, but neither of them felt linear, because there was a lot more to it. Both offered laid back periods where it wasn't fight after fight after fight for example. Both stories were interesting and engaging.

FFXIII, in my opinion, is FFX if you take all of the negatives the game had and amplify them. There are some positives from XIII, don't get me wrong, but in all honesty, I'm playing the game now for the forum Let's Play and it feels like a chore. I feel so limited in everything I do. And heck, for most of the game there's a level cap so I can't even grind my characters like I enjoy doing. Even leveling is limited! It feels so confined and restricted.

My point is, it has nothing to do with a turn-based system or not. Most of my favorite games are turn based. I greatly enjoy a turn based system when it is done right.