Much of the original game's intent is lost in translation, and the addition of a map and objective markers betrays a large part of what makes the NES game so compelling, but Zero Mission is an interesting design exercise if nothing else.

While it strikes a better balance between open exploration and handholding than its disappointingly patronizing predecessor Metroid Fusion, the edges have been sanded down to a fault. The easy breezy linear design offers practically no resistance; this game is the polar opposite of the brutally unforgiving NES original. However, there's no denying how meticulously designed and polished the game is on its own merits.

Zero Mission is a very good modernized Metroid experience, but the idea it's the definitive version of the first game is an insane notion.