Straightforward, difficult, and satisfying. It could be frustrating sometimes due to Maximo's pathetic double jump and a few wonky hitboxes but once you get in the groove and get a hang of the different mechanics, it's an enjoyable romp that moves at a quick pace and never hits the level of frustrating difficulty you might expect from something like ghosts 'n goblins. The only thing that never stopped bothering me was the inability to control the camera with the right stick. I also found the little bit of story with its macho hero, fanservice-y damsels, cartoonishly evil villain and cheesy voice acting to be a pretty endearing.

My favorite 3D platformer. When I was a kid I couldn't get past the first world, this game was just too hard, but as an adult the challenge is just perfect. I also love the ability system, it gives you so many perks and options in combat and losing all of them makes dying PAINFUL. Imagine that, having stakes and punishment for death.

It's also just the right length, long enough to feel like a proper game, but not so long that it's not repayable. Going back and replaying to find all the treasures and abilities is a blast.