I did not know there was an HD release. I played it back in old times. I vaguely remember it's unique awesomeness... but I also remember that I never finished because the combat required special button pressing? or combo moves around the whole controller? And it was a case of "I KNOW IM DOING IT RIGHT WHY ARENT YOU REGISTERING IT" and I stopped.
I would have also been a young teen at the time. But I do think of it and always wonder if I should have gone back!