I'm about half and half on the topic. I like having lots of things to collect. That was my insentive to keep playing, I wanted to get every upgrade, every log book entry and everything else, I ended up playing 3-4 times because I kept forgeting the same log book entries

. Anyways I like to collect so exploring to collect was fun though I wish there were a few scenes where there were puzzles and perhaps a little FMV to help you solve them. The game I know isn't a puzzle game, but for me (I'm more into rpg's though I have played and do enjoy all the Metroid games) I think It would be better if the puzzles made you think a little more.
Of course we know the reason there are no puzzles is because samus can only do three things, roll up into a ball, shoot, and jump (essentially everything else she does is an extension of one of these). Now that doesn't seem quite right she still has one free hand (the other arm IS a gun of course), and lots of other hi-tech tools they could add. I think It would be interesting if they included something in the grapling beam to make it work like a tractor beam to bring objects toward you, allowing you to move them to get them out of the way, or some other tools that can be used to solve the puzzles.
Once again I realize this is supposed to be "realistic in the universe Samus lives in" and since she's invading an enemy base the base has to be designed so it's functional to the enemy while trying to keep the "unwanted guests" out. Of course some of these puzzles could involve getting around wreckage "which you may have caused while fighting an end boss," or special door locks to keep you out that you have do something to break (other than simply get the right weapon and shoot the door, or scan the key pad). I know this is getting ranty now, and I love the feel of the games, which most of these additions COULD spoil, but I think if they were executed properly they could increase samus's capacity by adding new add-ons for her suit (or fusion suit if it turns out that she keeps that), and add better and more complex puzzles (not that there wern't any good puzzles but for me they simply weren't good enough).
Then of course this game IS about the fighting so maybe puzzles would mess it up?
but what am I talking about this is about the use of story...I think that's unneccessary but story could be implemented better in some instances. Actually the only videos I care about is when Samus gets an upgrade I think each upgrade should have a short 1 - 2 minute clip that demonstrates her putting this onto her suit, powering it up and testing it for the first time to kinda give you a feel how it works, with a kinda martial arts feel to it...well maybe not but when I say martial arts feel I'm reminded of the very first scene when she makes a diving leap off of her ship to land on the space station.
ok I'm ranting now and most of my ideas were probably bad so I'll stop now (I've said that before haven't I?)