I genuinely don't think I ever got off the first screen

I mean, I was maybe 8 years old, I think once I got to the second screen on accident. Never managed it again

It's bizarrely difficult until you beat level, I think, 3? With the Octopus. I've heard this was one of those "tuned hard for the rental market" deals. Then you hit the Open Ocean stage and it's smooth sailing. Not easy but super playable, appropriate for it's era. It also GOES PLACES 😯