I've finally got round to playing FFXIII and although i'm enjoying the story thus far the gameplay has been pretty awful as it is literally one big path with enemies dotted along the way with no need to actually think about what you're doing.

Is the game a linear path from start to finish or does it open up for a bit of exploration and side quests?

*Spoiler below*

I am around 20 hours in aboard the Palamecia after breaking out with Sazh and Vanille and I am starting to wonder if it is worth persevering with this game as I am just Bored.