It wasn't a bastardization. Nintendo never specified that the Manga Universe and the Video Game universe were separate entities. They actually took strides to make the game encompass all aspects of the Metroid Universe. It tied in with the Manga, and the previous games (specifically Fusion), and actually told a story, including twists with main character reaction, instead of playing out like a pure platformer or FPS. The way they kept it very old school game play wise was done quite well I think.
I can understand if people didn't like it because it wasn't what they expected of Samus or the game, but I think the game gets a lot of undeserved bashing, and I easily place it in my top 3 or 4 Metroids.
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