Been replaying Metroid Dread and it's so tragic that despite it being an incredibly smooth, dynamic, challenging, and fast metroid gameplay-wise - probably my favorite of all the 2D troids - it fumbles so hard on the soundtrack. Just forgettable ambiance and too-quiet synths.
Same kinda deal with AC6, so good, but lacking in punchy, distinct, and memorable tracks besides a couple standouts.
Dread also has an issue with area designs not feeling distinct enough. Too many metal halls and grey caves. Its animations and cutscenes go so hard though.
Also the fact that the morph ball is only introduced after like 2 bosses and a dozen different abilities actually lends itself to a lot more interesting level designs with that restriction. Often the ball was like, the first upgrade to the point it was taken for granted.
I also love the games unabashed love of Fusion. Very underrated entry but the game has so many love letters to it. The EMMI encounters are just expanding on the SA-X encounters from fusion.