New player question

Hi guys, I'm new to this game (I know, late to the party) and had a general question. I've noticed that the game isn't free play in some areas, meaning your path is predetermined and you can't open roam or find alternative ways to play the area. It forces you onto the required path, so not open play. Is a lot of the game this way?

I like to play where I can find alternate routes / ways to plan my stealth attacks etc, but it's feeling like that won't be an option in this game. Am I just not far in enough to see that type of play?

I was at the part where I'm looking for the girls brother and it's like red dead where you have to stay in the area and do it their way or else.

Please no spoilers, just general info