I think this review also explains well, indirectly, why people are so quick to bash Metroid Fusion and call it "linear" like it's something spawned from hell itself. While I do love Metroid Fusion, it can't be denied that the game's chosen method of "go to this point that I marked on your map" does hurt it's presentation, especially on the "show, don't tell" department. I find the game to still have a lot of exploration, and not be as linear as most people will want me to believe it is, but it does present itself more linearly, so people perceive it as being more linear than the others. I realized Super Metroid wasn't as open world as most people want to think it is, when trying to orient a new player to it by saying "You can explore as much as you like, you'll eventually end up exactly where you have to go. There's no 'wrong path'."
I've written a review of fusion if you want to check it out. I think the dialogue in Fusion could've been a little more efficient(time spent on saying "X is dangerous" could be spent on telling to next objective rather than blocking the door and requiring you the uplink again). Nevertheless, the various missions made it gratifying to me when I finally reported back to get the next challenge.
I admit I was slightly bitter when writing this, but I do really enjoy Super Metroid. I don't deny it's great and there are good analyses of its game design. But much as I like "show don't tell", I don't think it's the "end all be all" of game design or entertainment.
I treat all living things equally. That is to say, I eat all living things
Well, I didn't think the review came off as sounding like you don't like the game, so don't worry about that. =)
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Super Metroid; you won't even know it's linear
Even as a Metroid fan, there was something that always nagged me about considering Super Metroid "the greatest game of all time". I completely understand the frustration that people have with Metroid's style; it's a game series that requires you to backtrack and often times you ended up completely lost. The Metroidvania style is influential but I find that it's an acquired taste.
So rather then talk about why it's "the greatest", it's important to note its major strength: extremely cohesive level design. Much is talked about the exploration of Metroid but it wouldn't be nearly as effective if the game wasn't able to subtly guide you. From the the time you enter Ceres station, to the landing on Zebes, mechanics are being taught to you. Game theorists has an excellent video detailing this, but in short, the way the game blocks you off requires you to think about what you need next. This area blocked? Head left! Not jumping high enough? There's an upgrade for that.
In addition, nearly every area is well interconnected; brinstar, norfair, crateria, wrecked ship, and maridia. The developers could have easily just made areas into dead ends with only a few branches between them. Instead, bombing certain areas and exploring each crevice gives you a cyclical feeling. No longer are you simply lost; the setting is now your puzzle to solve. How you navigate the areas creates a well-paced experience.
Furthermore, much emphasis is placed on the Samus controls. Along with the Zelda inspired exploration, Metroid games feature tight controls which while a bit more floaty, handle well like its platforming plumber predecessor. I would be remiss in handling Samus' wall jump, which is probably the most iconic maneuver in the game. With it, the way you traverse levels and shafts gains a unique pace where you can either stop and "smell the roses" or blaze through with an acrobatic fury.
Super Metroid comes from a school of "Show, don't tell". That in of itself doesn't make a game good or bad. But the way it directs you has served as an influential method of game design. It certainly adds a lot to its forboding atmosphere.