Pleasant surprise. YOU MUST READ THIS REVIEW! The proof that this game IS worth 20 bucks!
GRAPHICS / 9.5: Gorgeous, they get better and better. Worlds are unimaginable at times. Nice flowing grass and bubbling 3D rivers really start to absorb you.
VALUE / 8: You can only truly appreciate this game after you realize the only way to enjoy this game is to get through the levels in the easiest way possible, and then you will find yourself sucked in until you beat the game. And you won't like the game at first, I surely guarantee it. Don't judge it by the first level (GameSpot!!! jk), because this is both the most difficult, dull, and, just least fun one. The only drawback after this is that the game only supplies about 3 hours of great gameplay. Make sure not to pay more than $19.99 for it too, because, really, thats how much it's worth and is sold new for right now.
SOUND / 9: The soundtrack in the game is very relevant and really fits each world. It can be almost viral, and you may find yourself playing it back in your head. Hit noises and impacts are flawless.
ENEMIES / 8.7: The enemies, or "Ghosts N' Goblins", can vary quite a bit. E.G. Giant mosquitoes, reapers, multicolored trolls, ogres with clubs or swords, demons. They all move smoothly, but the A.I. is nothing to brag about. They may circle around you or home in on you, but its no duel. The BOSSES are very elaborate looking and are often massive. They fight in the pattern of Move/Fight/Block. While they're moving and fighting they are usually vulnerable to your attacks.
CONTROLS / 7: While the jumps are a challenge to master, they can be executed successfully to traverse gaps once you understand the mechanics (when you jump, you can't change direction or velocity until you jump again). The jumps are, however, classic Ghosts N' Goblins style, and when you come to understand them, they supply a fast-paced arcade-y feel. Attacks are executed easily, and weapons can be thrown or whipped around. There are also power-ups gained from collectibles. There is no shortage of any firepower.
ALSO: You can be anything from a frog or fat hag to a demonic destroyer or underwear-wearing old guy (rofl). Very fun.
TILT / 9: Smooth sidescrolling platform. Wouldn't have it any other way for this series.
LONG REVIEW:
Usually, I'm one of those kinds of people who likes to work at every level to get every hidden item in every level, and max myself out as much as i can. This was what I tried doing at first in this game. I also bought this game for $19.99, and at that price, the package is well worth it.
Immediately, when I began the first level of the game in the "Blood Swamp" or whatever level, I was turned off by the dull colors (nice 3D effects and cell-shading though). And when i started playing, I found a single thing the most aggravating: The jumps are not very controllable. You jump, but then you continue moving in that direction until you hit the jump button again (DOUBLE JUMP) to move further in that direction, or in another direction. The mechanic was difficult to master, and I found myself dying in the blood river almost every time I tried getting across, after having collected each item and maxed my armor and health and weapon out. I knew I'd have to fight my demons, so I played a different way. I just got through the level, without trying to collect anything or retain all my lives. SUCCESS! When I started playing this way, I found myself getting through the levels faster, and dying less often, while at the same time, ENJOYING IT THOROUGHLY!
After completing a level, you will be met with a feeling of great satisfaction, while at the same time you will enjoy new, dreamy looking, 3D flowing levels, with fantastic new music in each. Playing through the game without playing it like an RPG is the way to go. Just go with the flow.
The one downside to this game is that it only has like, 7 levels I think, and can be beaten in 3 hours if you play it the good way.