I played a bit of the first Metroid, but never really got into it.
I got Metroid II by saving up Kool-Aid points. Not really expecting much, I totally fell in love with the game.
At the time Super Metroid came out I also frequented a local video game rental store and they had a Japanese import copy that I saw being played. So I knew Super Metroid was coming. But the
commercial was pretty lame.
I first played the game renting it with a friend. We got stuck/lost a couple of times and when we finally finished the game we had logged in 16 hours. 16 hours?!? The game can be beaten in under 2 hours so thinking back on that is funny. Now I've beaten the game so many times I don't remember. I used to be able to beat the game in under 2 hours with 100% items no problem. I truly love every aspect of the game, which is why it's my favorite of all time.
I think I could talk about Super Metroid for two hours myself. The graphics and the music which bred the atmosphere. The opening and ending sequences blew me away. The bosses and minibosses were so much fun. Using the grappling hook and space jump/screw attack was so much fun. I can't speak my love enough for the game. I even own the Japanese soundtrack.