It’s easily the best NES game. I can not comprehend how such a beautiful and depthful piece of software could run on the same console that featured a 8-bit plumber jumping over barrels for three levels as a full price game.

It has simply everything a side scroller can offer: Great controls; fantastic presentation and score; diverse enemies; amazing mid-level bosses; the genius copy function of enemies’ powers; unique puzzles; non linear levels with many secrets to unlock which even expand to the overworld; exciting scripted moments;

and last but not least an epic encounter against Metaknight that made my jaw drop.