>although I think the game goes to hell after Metropolis
Metropolis zone is bullshit. Sky Chase and Wing Fortress are alright in my book. WF specifically it's just about knowing where to go and having solid nerves for the boss fight.

Here's how i'd rank the zones:
1.Chemical Plant
2. Casino Night
3. Sky Chase + Wing Fortress
4. Emerald Hill
5. Mystic Cave
6. Hilltop
7. Aquatic Ruin
8. Oil Ocean
9. Metropolis

>did you go through S3&K yet?
I haven't, but definitely will in a couple of months . My main dilemma is wheter to treat them as stand-alones or beat them back-to-back