Quite possibly the greatest 2D platformer ever created. Everything here feels so genius and well-made. Whether the effects of an enemy or item is positive or negative is always dependent on the level design, which leads to more thinking on the player's part. The 'hurry up' mechanic where you have to rush back to the beginning highlights this recontextualization of level design and mechanics. The controls suit this frantic energy well, with energetic dashes, throws, and ground pounds that are pushed to their limit in these gauntlet-like puzzle challenge rooms.

The main problem people point to with the game is that it's really short. The game was definitely designed with replayability in mind, but I do agree that a few more levels couldn't have hurt. Then again, all the levels are so well-made and unique that it's almost a moot point that would be counter intuative with the game's strengths. My main problem is with the minigames. At the end of a world, you can spend money to play minigames to earn tokens. These tokens can buy items to use against a boss. A solid idea, but there's only 3 minigames, and they aren't particularly in-depth. You'll be playing the same 3 minigames each time if you really want an item.

That one blemish doesn't mean much though. This is still an absolutely fantastic game you should definitely play.