I'd give this game a 4 for each individual aspect (platforming, exploration, combat) but the integration and packaging of the content are so good, it's slightly better that the sum of its parts. Most of the combat and traversal abilities feel useful, and many evoke that Super Metroid-y, gleeful feeling that you'll finally be able to access that new area, grab that item, or beat that boss. The end-game challenges, reminiscent of Wiley's fortress and boss rushes after Megaman has fully self-actualized, were the highlight. Boss rushes in particular were fun to dissect and master. I found uses for some charms I had written off as "not my style" to counter some of the unconventional boss mechanics. My only gripes:
-The repeated backtracking. I get it - a fast-travel mechanic that's too liberal can erase the environment, but this was excessive.
-Some of the charms seemed worthless, even after strategizing for boss, combat, and platforming rushes.
-In the name of decency and civility, make geo-sucking ability automatic.