ActRaiser was really cool. I think it's a good length for what it is and I never got bored during my playthrough. I enjoy both parts of the game pretty much equally, although the sim portion doesn't have much depth.

I didn't have too many issues with the controls in the platforming sections until near the end. It's like Castlevania plus in how it controls. They're the most frustrating with some late game enemy placements and parts of the final battle. You can only slash at the peak of your jump which feels bizarre. The star magic is really OP against bosses. I would just slash through the levels then spam stars on the boss for a free kill. If you don't do that some of the bosses are obnoxious. The final gauntlet especially has some BS.