Metroid (NES) (not on the VC)
So I just finished Metroid. For an NES game at the time, it is top notch. I wouldn't even think detailed objects like the metroids could be made on the NES. It is apparent there was an artistic mind at work in this game.
Even for the amazing gameplay and graphics, I do have a couple frustrating gripe with the game. One thing is that you can easily miss very important items and have no indication you missed them. In Zelda, things are amazing hard to find. However, most of those things you cannot progress through the game without. In Metroid, there is no indication you should be even looking.
I guess that means Metroid is truly non-linear, where you only need to complete about 30% of the content to beat the game. I was lucky, the only reason I beat the game this time (as opposed to many other failed attempts) is I found the screw attack very early. This was a very essential ability that I wouldn't have been able to get anywhere without (it can be used to protect Samus from harm while jumping).
The only other thing that is annoying is cheap shots. The biggest one is that you can get hit while moving through doors (noting that you cannot move while you are going thru doors). This can be a particular problem when the threat is on the other side of the door, as there is no way to avoid the damage. This is something that should have been fixed during game testing.
Only a couple other gripes: Going to 30 health after every death is annoying, and there is a lava pit right in front of Mother Brain that in inevitable death if you fall in.
All of that being said, Metroid is a very good and unique (for the time) experience. The game has such a weird feeling to it that when I was a kid, I thought I had dreamt of playing the game. It wasn't until I saw it at the game rental store that I realized it was a real game. Just be sure you have some patience, as it can be frustrating at times. It is inevitable with NES games.
