I've been playing this game on and off since October 2011 and by golly I just beat it. One of the hardest games I've ever played. I've played it before a long time ago on the ps1 but I never managed to beat it as a kid and it's been haunting me all my life. Thanks gog for the opportunity, I've finally conquered this demon.
How long did it take you guys to beat it?

I did beat it as a kid, I don't remember how long it took but at least some months of trial and error, every now and then.

Now it only took me like 10 hours since I seem to remember most of the gameplay.

10 hours is pretty impressive. I think most of my gameplay time was spent in anguish lagoon farming orbs for extra lives

First time I played it as a kid, I got stuck in the level where you'd fight Space Mama as a pirate due to the lack of extra lives and continues.

Then I started over from the beginning, doing quite well, and managed to get back to that boss with around 20 lives and all continues. Then it was a LONG LONG time hunting for cages!

Now I know almost every cage location out of my head, I could finish it in a day if I want. :P