How does one save a game?

Good question. When I quit the game after clearing a level, it offers me the option to save, so maybe it's after a checkpoint?

Very strange system, though. Didn't even think of it until I saw this post.

True, it's only after you complete a level that you get the option to save.

Old school hardcore :)

Nah. Old school hardcore is finishing a level and seeing:
PASSCODE: "W2RD5TKGMVM5JWO76ZXJ90MUI" :-D

Nonsense, old school hardcore is:

- There are 100 levels, you start with few lives, if you lose them all you restart. Oh, to see the real ending you need to read an encrypted message in a secret level and follow it to activate a special mode and win the game playing with a friend.

Bubble Bobble comes to my mind :)

(not serious) http://cucosworld.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/retro-vs-new.png