I don't get it. Hasn't the games have always been pic-related type of linear? Were people expecting SM to throw a curve ball and suddenly become open world or something?

I thought there was an adequate amount of small side paths to explore past the mandatory 2 hour tutorial. Heck, the rotomdex labeling where I was supposed to go help cause then I knew I should just explore every area that *isn't* that part of the map.