Funny; i didn't even know there was a PGC review until i read this thread. Don't know how that slipped by. And it was written by Tim Rogers. There's a first.
The linear nature turned me off quite a bit. At least in MGS you have your options on how to deal with enemies, each with it's own consequences. i do think the developer did a good job of porting it in the time they had. Granted, it's a slightly upgraded version of the PS2 game, but given the simultaneous release it holds up against the PS2 version, which runs at 30fps for starters. They simplified the level architecture to fit in the PS2's memory, which i don't mind, but as my cousin watched me play he commented how they simplified a lot of the areas, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. Can't say we got the shaft seeing as how there's Pro Logic support and GBA connectivity bonuses. Granted, there could've been more, and the graphics could've been closer to Xbox, but then the GC version woud've been pushed back months after the Xbox release, and we'd be complaining about how it's not selling because everyone got the Xbox/PC/PS2 version already.
i'm glad i didn't run out and buy it full price, but i'll definitely pick it up when i can get it for $30-$40.