Super Metroid is one of those rare classics that is so good that it nears pefection even by today's standards.
Cons: Can be a bit easy to get lost at times; Blocks that look like terrain are lame; Single runs of the game don't take particularly long; Narrative is pretty much thrown to the side the moment you begin playing
Super Metroid has received a lot of hype over the years, and after a while one begins to question whether or not the game deserves this much positive press. The answer, however, is a most unequivocal yes.
You are Samus Aran. After eradicating the Metroids from SR388 in Metroid II, you head to a space station where tests are being run on a captured Metroid larva. Within moments Ridley has snatched away the Metroid and you must follow him to Zebes to retrieve it. Or something like that anyway; the game stops telling the story between the beginning and the end of the game, leaving you to explore and likely completely forget why you are there.
There is certainly no hand-holding here. Super Metroid gives you the world to explore and lets you find where you need to go. This results in you getting occasionally, but it ultimately makes progress feel much more satisfying without getting ridiculously hard.
Progress in this game isn't divided into levels, but instead you will proceed as far as you can until you find a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. You head in another direction, gather a new tool and when you return you can continue on your way. This constant backtracking rewards the observant player and you feel significantly stronger with each upgrade. It's an addicting method that will keep you hooked for the entire game.
Unfortunately, there is the issue of length. The game will take you anywhere from 6-10 hours on first run, depending on how much time you spend exploring the planet for secrets. But if you only play the first run you are missing a major point of the genre. This game is meant to be played multiple times. The design is flexible enough that you can find a new path through the world, beat the game faster, or perhaps even get items out of order and changing the flow entirely. One time through the game is just scratching the surface for the dedicated player.
Much like the gameplay, the art design and music of Super Metroid has aged fantastically. This game was completed in what's arguably the greatest generation of 2-D games and has great sprites that convey a fairly moody and dark journey perfectly. The music complements that feel and the sound effects bring out each enemy and weapon without ever feeling too tacky or overly sci-fi.
Time can't diminish a true classic, and in Super Metroid's case, it hasn't even come close. You can download this game on the Wii for $8 now. No excuses, this game belongs in your collection.