The first entry in this storied franchise is also one of the very best platformers on the NES. The game's relative simplicity makes it easy to miss just how intelligent and well-considered its design choices really are. Every gameplay element - whether it be Simon's stodgy movement, the sub weapons, the enemy designs, or even the somewhat infamous knockback on hit - coheres into a rigorous and difficult yet thoroughly enjoyable whole. Something similar could be said of the visual and aural design - it may be a truism at this point to mention how excellent the music is, but it remains worth acknowledging just how well the classically-influenced songs and the vaguely psychedelic use of color come together to sustain a palpable sense of foreboding. Not to be missed.