Inferno 2: Meltdown

I absolute loved the first game, but am rather down about this game.

Some problems:
1. The flames do not give an indicator of their burn level like in the previous game.
2. Hard mode removes all the fun. Hard mode makes the flames move ultra fast, leaving no room for strategy. Without the strategy, the game is no fun; and easy is too easy sometimes. I would love a hard mode that didn't use super fast moving flames (maybe one with more flames to start, or more flamable specials or something ... but still find a way to keep it paced enough for some fun strategy).
3. Minor: I don't like the flame graphics as much. I rather liked the way the old flames were done, as they looked more like a ceiling on fire just before flashover. The graphics in the first game told you how far along the fire was, which was nice for strategy.
4. It's more difficult to tell which areas are blocking access after they burn than in the previous game it seems. Actually, I think it's probably the same as before, just the fast moving fires make it hard to keep track.
5. Are the graphics maybe less detailed or "realistic"? Hard to say here; I would need to actually check things like burn marks and the items to see if there is a real difference.

The first game was really, really fun... and I wouldn't have minded a more difficult version either. Maybe the author will see this and consider these changes in the next version? :)

Loved the reference to Electric Six in the first line of the review ;)

You know, I suppose part of the disappointment could be because I picked hard mode first. After all, easy was a little bit too easy on the first game. :)

I wonder what is the best way for games to deal with this phsychological effect... maybe ramping up difficulty, instead, works better for games?

The buttons are sticking a little bit my second time playing it after a little break. It makes walking, jumping, and getting on/off ladders annoying to control. I'm using Safari (but so was the first time...). Anyone else getting this problem?
But, the first time around was very fun, and that's why I wanted to play it again, anyway.