Holy cow holy cow...this game is so incredibly AWESOME! A must-play and a masterpiece.
Now that that's through, what is so great about this game? Why does everybody rave about it? Metroid is a series that needs to be experienced without the help of a guide or anything to be fully understood. There is an amazing sense of urgency and despair in the series that comes from the lack of linearity.
The sheer amount of content in this game is astounding. Even now, the selection of useful weapons, gear, and optional equipment is astounding. From laser upgrades, X-ray visors, grappling beams, and more, there is a lot to find. Gameplay and exploration improve with each new ability. This is a game that doesn't frustrate, even when it's seemingly impossible to proceed.
The bosses contained in Super Metroid are extremely imaginative and, in some cases, really tough. However, the game offers a lot of easy ways to temper the difficulty, making it more realistic for every player. Most energy tanks and missile upgrades are optional, meaning that the game can be made incredibly challenging for those who wish to do so.
One of the great things about Super Metroid is also the replay value. When playing through the game, one so rarely plays through it the same way twice. There are a lot of different ways to approach things, even when lacking seemingly necessary abilities. Not using a strategy guide means you'll find new things every time, and that is definitely the recommended way to play it.
The game is also tailor-made for speed runs, for those who are into that kind of thing. It is an incredibly competitive field, and practice makes perfect!
So please, for your own sake, pick up this game. It's pretty cheap no matter how you get it, and it will be worth every cent you spend on it. Don't miss what is perhaps the best 2D game in existence.