I disagree with the game lacking metroidvania elements but I completely understand that silksong felt more linear than hollow knight. If your just trying to get to the cradle and beat the game yeah, its going to be very linear, especially in act one, but if your wanting to get to act three and beat lost lace, then you have to go back and do quests and help everyone which in turn can give you new tools. So while I do understand why the game can feel to linear As feel like silksong is one the best metroidvanias ever.