For my money, the best entry-point for any potential Metroid fan to cut their teeth on. This was the first game in the series I ever played, so going back and completing it in full this time was a fantastic full-circle moment. Compared to the original, this is a far easier game to love, with its QoL improvements and updated visual palate bringing a whole new life to the experience compared to Spartan efficacy of the first Metroid's aesthetics. Even the boss fights have been improved, and the new inclusions are mechanically fresh enough to feel like worthy adversaries.

I feel a little mixed on the new Zero Mission epilogue, but the overall impression is mostly positive. Taking a new angle to the Metroid formula with a pseudo-stealth section is a great idea on paper, and tonal switch-up that came with the new section is certainly a welcome one. I just found the encounter design to be a little wonky, almost as if the developers hadn't quite nailed the flow of some of the rooms before dropping the enemies in.

Still, this is absolutely a major jewel in Metroid's legendary crown and a sterling example in how to remake a classic game right.