To put it simply, this game is awesome.
The game also has something that Konami has been famous is perfecting: The shooter. While it's not enough to re-classify the game, it's definitely a kep part. To attack, you either throw your sword, or charge up and release a Meta Knight-esqe spin thrust.
The only major thing I see wrong with this game was that there were no sequels! [Well, actually, this game could be considered a sequel to "Rocket Knight Adventures"], but nothing after that! This game fell off the face of the gaming world in an unsung manner, along with other games of it's kind [Like Ristar]. It would be awesome to see a sequel to this game! Konami, if you can hear this, PLEASE give this game another chance! We want more Sparkster!