I stopped playing this game in November 2015, while I was in the midst of a move, and didn't pick it back up. But in the wake of the last tourney, I've found myself semi-addicted again. My runs only last about 20 minutes or so, which makes it the perfect procrastination task.
IMO, this game hits a SERIOUS difficulty wall in the phase 30-35 cycle. That's where I got stuck in 2015, and it's now where I'm stuck again. I don't have a firm idea how to break out of it, but I feel like a big part of it is standing your ground against the green fireballs rather than running away.
I just got this score today (new PB). I wasn't planning on submitting a score, but then I looked at the list and saw that this run would put me right above Barra, so now I definitely have to submit.
339,980 - Phase 37, Medium, 3+1@20K
ROMset "marioo"
WolfMAME 191