Critics cited the fast gameplay, unprecedented in platformers. The difficulty was disputed, described as "impossible" by Rand and "average" by "EGM". Rand said about the gameplay in general that it "plays like a dream"; according to "GameZone" it would enchant players for hours, and Boogie Man praised Sonic Team's ability to provide an engaging experience primarily from running and jumping. Although "EGM", "Dragon", Paul of "Mean Machines" and Boardman of "Raze" praised the level design (especially the hidden rooms), Paul found losing all of one's rings frustrating.