>but its linear
Its probably the most story focused game in the series and its done quite well. The game was designed around this pacing and its better off for it. The gameplay is just about as perfect as its going to get for a 2D Metroid game. The streamlining of the controls while it had to be done due to the limitations of the GBA it was for the better anyways so even this enhanced the 2D Metroid gameplay.

Really its only glaring flaw is the unskippable dialogue. Makes repeated playthroughs not as good as they ought to be. I think Fusion should be regarded as one of the all time GOATS in all of gaming. It does not get the appreciation it deserves.