Never played the original game, but the VC version just blew me away. A very good idea that became a very good game.
These unique abuilities, combined with the great feel of the gameplay, makes it a fun expierience. The level design isn't always good, however it will be worth getting through the lame levels to expierience the good ones.
Also, the boss figths are good. Even though you migth find yourself unable to find out how to take damage in some of the boss figths, you will eventually figure it out. However I got stuck on the lvl. 7 boss figths, because the sun, or whatever it was, always disappeared when its HP was getting low, therefore I died, and I never found a way to prevent that from happening.
One important part of the game, is that you can save, and you can take the levels over again whenever you want. This also makes it stand out from most of the NES games. There are also some mini games. Most of them aren't as great, but trying them will help you get extra points or extra life, so you should check them out.
In the end, the graphics are pretty good, the gameplay is good, the levels are so-so, the boss figths are good, the sound is mediocre and the feel is good, so a pretty solid game over all.