I'm not the biggest fan of the genre, but after finishing it I can understand why it's so loved.
The exploration is fun and while the game points you to a general direction it doesn't hold your hand in how you get there. Going back and forth loaded with new skills is a loop that just keeps you entertained.
The visual distinction and different tracks between areas enhanced the experience not to mention some tracks were Superb. Enemy types aren't diverse but just using different sprites between locales was a smart trick to use.
Combat is simple and honestly you can think of enemies - outside of bosses - as active obstacles instead of adversaries.
I have no love for hidden secrets like some of the destroyable path blocks, but those are rarely obtuse so this more of a nitpick. My issue is with the finicky speed boost abilites, some combos just wouldn't work with me to the point where I gave up on some secrets and I'm fine with that.

It's not long, not big or especially complicated. It's great.