It is more Fujino taking the easier single-path storytelling to focus more on a more consistent story. By focusing on only one story path it is easier to keep track the consistence of the story. If Fujino doesn't have the confidence to write a good multiple branch story it is better if just focus on writing one story. Remember Fujino is still pretty new to game development and story telling. If you compare this game to his previous games, you can tell there is a big improvement in the both the story and gameplay departments. Maybe next time Fujino will make a game where we have more control over the game.
It is fine to want more from Fujino but shouldn't we appreciate what he has done so far and not expect too much too soon from him?
While I do agree that Fujino has seen tremendous growth as a game developer, it's really funny how objectively bad Scathach's game was if you looked at it in a serious light, at least compared to what we have come to expect from the SAO games.
The game being linear with a singular story is not really an appropriate criticism in my opinion.
If I were to start reading Verne's 20000 leagues under the sea, and then complained about the book not behaving like a part of the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure series, everyone would be calling mentally challenged.
Some games decide to have multiple storylines that branch due to the player's actions, and some others are simple walking simulators that decide to tell a singular story.
Both have their cons and pros, and judging one with the expectation of the other is not super appropriate.
Of course, one can criticize the end product as something they didn't enjoy, but it should be done with a proper understanding of what the game is trying to do.
I can't say that an apple is disgusting because it didn't taste like a banana like I wanted.
