Super Metroid is one of those games that just sticks with you. You start off in this eerie, abandoned space station—no hand-holding, no long tutorials, just you and Samus figuring things out. The atmosphere is thick, with flickering lights and distant alien noises making every corner feel dangerous.

At first, you’ve got just your basic arm cannon and a jump, but before long, you’re backtracking through areas with new abilities, uncovering secrets you swore weren’t there before. The level design is insane—hidden paths, fake walls, and upgrades tucked away in places you’d never think to check. And that first time you get the Speed Booster? Pure adrenaline.

It’s not just about shooting stuff, either. The way the world opens up as you gain more powers makes exploration feel rewarding, not just obligatory. And that final boss fight? Still one of the best in gaming. If you’ve never played it, you’re missing out on a masterpiece.