Your opponent played first. Globe-hopping through the world and into space, he's skilfully avoided everything that could cost him a 'life'. And as he's gobbled and popped almost all the apples and balloons on the way, he's leapt his way to a brilliant score. He's pleased. You're not.
Now it's your go. In the forest, you escape the jaws of set after set of ball-eating plants, duck the bees and birds, over the hedgehog, under the rising ball. Perfect!
But the seaside's no picnic - straight away you land on a lizard. Pop! One life lost. And you're down on score. Bounding on, you approach cacti, and approaching you is a balloon, closely followed by rooks. You could glide safely over the cacti, or jump for the balloon - risking death at the claws of the birds.
Three balls, three lives, left. Lose them and there's no bouncing back. But you need those points.