I've tried three of the four control schemes so far. The balance board one needs a bit of work, I think, as it isn't as precise as I'd like it. I occasionally lean one way only to see Mac go the other...despite sometimes lifting my foot on that side! Or am I not supposed to do that? Also, when I duck it responds beautifully...only to have him duck after I myself get up. Should I be ducking quicker?
Other than that, the motion controls are smooth as butter, as long as you don't go berserker on the things, but stay in rhythm with Little Mac. It's definitely more fun to use them (and I'm going to try the Board again later), but I'm currently using the old-school controls, just for nostalgia's sake.
The first thirteen seem to be easier than I recall the original being, although Aran Ryan is different than I remember. That said, it was still a blast to blaze through them. I do wish everyone spoke English: the languages I understand were all amusing, especially in between the rounds, but since I know not a word of Hindi or Turkish some of the lingo went over my head.
And for the record, Little Mac's grown to 5' 7" in this game. It's a bit of a bummer, since I always found the David-vs.-Goliath thing to add a lot to the original's charm, but whachagonna do?