After having played the excellent GBA port of this, I was expecting the average lazy port of a decent arcade game *cough*Golden axe*cough*, but instead got an absolute gem of a game! Admittedly the graphics look a bit basic compared to some other Master-System game, but are still wonderfully detailed and full of the humor that made the arcade original a master piece. A woefully difficult masterpiece, but a masterpiece none the less.
After playing it again, I can say to things about it.
1) It is one of the most challenging game ever released on a Sega console
2) It is one of the easiest versions in the series.
If you have finished this, without rewinding or using savestates (The only way to play it without going insane) then you should set up a shrine, and people will come from miles around just to worship you. It is that difficult.
I write this review after about 2 hours of playing, I am stuck on a boss battle where two floating heads that spit fire at you trap you in a corner. Touch a flame: you die. Touch a head: You die. Touch anything witch isn't a power up or wall, and you will die.
A seriously recommended title, if only for the sigh of relief at the end of each level.