sometimes playing an old game feels like getting the most distilled version of what makes the genre good, but this one is a little tedious to actually play. the jump is a little too unreliable and the obstacles a little too unpredictable in a way that feels tuned to munching quarters. i often found myself just standing still while waiting for an opening, because pushing forward would be too risky. the hammer goes on way too long beyond the point where it served its purpose. it does feel good to learn the game and get better and better at the stages, but i couldn't stop thinking how much i prefer the game boy version of these stages.