While it still somewhat has this specific problem, I'd really recommend Ghouls 'n Ghosts if you haven't tried it, much better game overall

Oh, yeah, definitely. I think that game's a lot less frustrating simply due to the fact you can aim up and down.
It's hard to really come back to these games after years of putting them down because of how unforgiving they are, but there are notable improvements immediately after the first game. I just haven't reviewed them, because it's been a while.