Why is Sonic 1 so brutal and unforgiving?

So I was on marble zone act three and I was on one of the last parts. But then I hit some spikes, fell all the way to the bottom, and then hit some lava, losing all my rings. Why is the game so punishing? I don't want to carefully plan my every move and go slow to make sure I don't screw up in a game where you're supposed to go FAST?!?

2 years ago 14 views 1 frames