This might be my favorite 2D Metroid, compared to Super, Fusion, and Zero Mission. Even on my 1st playthrough, I could see lots of opportunities to skip sequences and get to areas earlier than expected. And unlike Super, it feels smooth and controls like a dream. I loved the added mechanics in this game, like infinite bomb jumping and strafing. The only things weak in this game were the item hiding locations being pretty straightforward and the final boss being a pushover.