I didn't like Aero the Acrobat at first but

[bombman]

I didn't like it at first because of the smarmy main character but it is actually pretty well done. A lot of people call it a Sonic clone but it's a lot more slow-paced and deliberate, and really challenging, you really have to stock up on lives. Most of the levels aren't just straight platforming (unlike the sequels which they shit all over), there's a good theme for each level and the design is not bad at all, and after you go through the slow paced first levels, it gets pretty fun as long as you're willing to die a few times.
If you're going to play this, play the Genesis version.

[bombman]

I don't know why this posted twice.
Another thing I have to add, it's a long game so you have to set aside a day or two in order to play this.

[Graham Mitchell]

You know, I never played the game, but didn't the SNES version have a Pilotwings-style pool-diving bonus level that was done with Mode 7? How did they pull that off on the Genesis, since that's the version you're recommending?

[Steven]

bombman, you ever tried Aero the Acrobat 2?

This is one of 100s of games I wanted to play as a kid, but never did, for various reasons.

[Gameguy]

I've only played Aero the Acro-bat 2 for the SNES, it's a great game. It's definitely worth getting. I've found it to have good graphics, good controls, good sound, and fun gameplay.

Eventually I'll come across both Aero games for the Genesis, and the Zero: The Kamikazee Squirrel. It'll be great fun when I do. :)