Super Metroid Phazon is one of those SNES hacks that actually feels like a proper expansion—not just a reskin. You start off with the usual Metroid vibe: eerie alien ruins, that iconic power-up jingle, and Samus feeling just vulnerable enough to make every new upgrade matter. But then you hit the Phazon zones, and suddenly everything gets this weird, glowing blue tint. The first time I stumbled into one, I wasn’t sure if it was safe or about to melt my health bar (spoiler: it does both).

The level design nails that classic Metroid balance—just confusing enough to make backtracking satisfying once you grab the right gear. I got stuck for way too long in some vertical shaft before realizing I needed the speed booster, and honestly? No regrets. The new enemies blend in naturally, and the boss fights are brutal in the best way. That final showdown had me sweating.

If you’ve played the original Super Metroid to death, this is the kind of mod that makes it feel fresh again. Just don’t forget to save often—Phazon doesn’t mess around.