I have fond memories of beating Ninja Spirit for the first time on a family road trip from NC to Cleveland, OH. I was at that very pit stage for the longest time, and I finally passed it as we pulled into our destination. I didn't even talk to relatives until I finished the game. (they were kinda cheezed at that too, but I was young)
Great game, one of my all time favs.
You know, another really underrated game is Keith Courage. If you completely and totally ignore the crappy cutsey-world stages, the game is a lot of fun. Good graphics, good gameplay, and just fun. If it wasn't for the crappy cutesy-world stages, that is. (Oh how I despise those stages)
I was always hoping for a sequel...
Charles.