Honestly if someone wanted to get into Metroid and asked me which one to play first I'd say start right at the beginning with this one. It's tough, demanding (draw a map, it's good for you, leave with a souvenir) and ultimately rewarding, a singular exercise in capital 'E' Exploration and the sequels/remakes (OG Game Boy is my fav) do not "fix" or improve upon it, they mutate and deviate for better or worse.

This is a thoughtfully designed game with some rough edges but what may seem cruel at first reveals itself to be quite playful. It's playing with you. I'm glad I played back (my third attempt over 12+ years mind you, no guide!)