As much as I hate to admit it, I fear you may be right about Other M. That is, by far, my biggest fear for anything game related this year. Going by the trailer, there is going to be a lot of combat in Other M. Except Metroid isnt about combat. Much less close quarters combat as what the trailer depicted. Its about exploration through unique platforming segments with occasional puzzles or tight, frantic combat. And another thing, all metroid games have amazing-no, PHENOMENAL art styles and beautiful graphics. The worlds and atmosphere wouldnt come to life if it werent for that. Other M, in terms of graphics and art, doesnt speak to me like Super Metroid did or the amazing Prime series. Damn it Nintendo, I wouldnt be scared at all if they didnt give the game to the average Team Ninja (truthfully, all development teams' work are average compared to what metroid is...)

/rant

Edit: @ below
The only 2D metroid I played was Super Metroid, and I totally feel that the sense of atmosphere and exploration was the most prevalent part of the game. At least, it was what resonated with me the most.

swiftshot93 -- The Prime trilogy was more about exploration with sporadic enemies tossed in, but not the classic 2D Metroid games. Super Metroid is basically "run, jump, shoot, rinse and repeat." It's full of action.

However, it's not full of the type of physical action the trailer shows.

But this one is under the eyes of Sakamoto. The guy that directed Super Metroid. If there's anyone we can trust with Metroid, it's him.

If you AREN'T blind, you'd see that SMG2 has different enemies, different stages and different items (big spinning top anyone?). As for Other M. While it has some mechanics from NG, that won't instantly make it "Ninja Metroid" (lol).... As you can see Other M is MOSTLY a fast 3rd person shooter. The enemies, different blasters and abilities will make Other M a completely different game. To say otherwise, is like saying "all first person games are the same".

Obviously the style isn't the same, but was Metroid Prime 1, 2 and 3 the same?
Just wait and see what the game is like. 7_7