I did progress a few stages further into Castlevania IV... I find it far more entertaining than the original, particularly with the controls as I said earlier. Though I think the experience is putting my playthrough of CV1 at risk... not sure if I can handle going back to it at this point. I guess it's probably a game I'll never really see the appeal of, at least not fully.

I may play some more of SMB, or possibly the lost levels. Because I had so much fun going through SMB earlier... and it further strengthens my belief that the game deserves a 4.5 of 5, or better.