...the 32X version of "Space Harrier" is more or less the same game as the original arcade? Same characters, same levels, game gameplay, same graphics? (as in, the only difference by the sound of it is a slight upgrade in the technology?).

I don't proclaim to be a technological expert enough to know or care about the difference if this game is merely a faster-moving version of the original, or whatever. I just love the "Space Harrier" series, so if this technically isn't a full sequel, I just need to know so I don't have to worry about tracking it down.