Just finished a fresh playthrough, and... I dunno. Amazing linear game, if you just get what you need and plow through the story. But the me of today compared to when this came out can definitely see how it's a bit naff as a Metroid experience. The most limited title of them all (save maybe Metroid 2, which this calls back to a lot, funnily enough), with what is normally a joyous full-powered clean-up turned into a pain in the arse slog.
But... just don't play it like that. Treat it as Not A Metroid and it's great. Thumbs up.