Cygnus X-1 said:
Still undecided if yay or nay.
I still say "Yay," it's just almost Prime like in that there are a lot of Metroidy things about it paired with some decidedly un-Metroidy design elements. I'm not saying the two share similar gameplay mechanics, just that they each have the "oh, so Metroidy" and "wait, why is this in Metroid?" moments.
The d-pad controls aren't nearly as awkward as I feared. The only time they feel little clumsy is with the RE4 over-the-shoulder view. Aside from that, Samus is on such a tight grid that even when in a roaming 3D environment, they work.
Oddly enough, I'm enjoying the story for what it is. Ideally there would be no forced story with dramatic cutscenes, but it's been some time since we've had our ideal Metroid. I've come to enjoy some of the goings on at the Bottle Ship, even if it makes me cringe a little every time Anthony refers to Samus as princess (fuck I hate that).
It's weird though. The game definitely has its blemishes and as a huge advocate for 2D Metroid and the promise that Other M brought with Sakamoto behind it, I'm not convinced the Bottle Ship will be as memorable or well laid out as Tallon IV.
Edit: Wanted to add that item placement is better than expected, too. I think some reviewers were under the impression that every item is clearly labeled on the map, which it's not. Super Metroid had a similar mechanic.
It's a shame they've removed the classic item jingle though.