A good alternative to the NES version. I have the same issues with its difficulty curve as the console version: after a certain point, the game will just up and decide to screw over the player for the hell of it. See my notes here for more info. But as a whole product, you can get a pretty equivalent experience, which is commendable for a cross-plat of this era.

The graphics taking a hit is to be expected - the Viruses aren't really cute in that gobliny sort of way like they were on NES - but I'm surprised to report that the music is a little stronger. Weirdly, it's this game's version of "Fever" that adds the descending melodic scale that bridges loops - striking in its absence from the original. "Chill" is about on-par with its NES version, which is commendable since "Chill" is such a complex song for this sound-chip. Naturally it's not as satisfying to watch the Viruses groove out, but otherwise, you're not really missing anything.

I guess the Cutscene Viruses are underwater rather than in a tree, and there are fewer cutscenes, but when that's the only thing really holding back the NES experience on handheld, you have in your hand a pretty good port. Of a game I don't love, perhaps, but hey.