These stages took around 49 minutes. The final half is done I just need to edit it. Will have it up soon, as well as starting a playthrough of the third and final installment on the super famicom.
This game has unlimited continues like the previous game, but also its more forgiving with checkpoints. The cart area has a checkpoint, as well as getting to each boss is usually a checkpoint that carries through even on continues. This even includes the second form of the final boss, which the first game did not allow you to continue from the either form of the final boss. Its also a shorter game.
My gameplay is sloppier in this playthrough because the game didnt require redoing each area. Sometimes it was my first time seeing parts of a stage. Theres more checkpoints as mentioned.
Deaths edited out.
A few tips. Up and jump is a high jump. Did not know this. You need this for the keyboard playing boss to hit it. X button throws enemies. You need this only once in the game for the floating boss.