It's interesting. I think that they changed their focus with this game. 
The emphasis seems to definitely be to provide a really good time, regardless of how difficult a level is. Most of the levels don't seem to be *that* challanging, and they give you *tons* of opportunities for free guys. I'm only completed four stages so far, and I have 69 lives (huh-huh, he said "69"). 

It's definitely fun, though.
I can definitely remember why this one of my favorite games of all time.