Could this be the winner?

PROS:- MT's Jet Pod does a good job following the rules of the competition and providing a nicely improved version of the original Jet Pod.You can play through this game the easy way, just going straight for the exit , or you could play a more challenging way , trying to collect bonus stars before you reach the exit.The easy way means way less points so if you want to improve your high score ,which is what the game is all about , then you have to take the more dangerous but rewarding path of the stars.Sounds like a simple addition but it really ads to the replay value.
-Obstacles come in the form of moving blocks,blocks that fade in as you get near them (that was neat),spinning blocks , a ship like thing that tries to fry you with electricity? and a very annoying turret like thing that shoots random shots.A nice variety of obstacles that is well used on the games 20 levels.
-The pod controls are OK,but it can be a bit hard to get it going back up once you are going down a bit too fast. But for the most part they work so that is fine.

CONS:-There is a little story that tries to explain what doesn't need an explanation to begin with.This is an arcade game with the focus on getting a high score , the story just feels tacked in to the game. Just because you can do it doesn't mean you should.
-There is this enemy that shoots random shots.This is very annoying because of the way the Jet Pod controls , is just not meant to dodge bullets , specially since you are flying it inside narrow paths and you are racing against the clock.Maybe if it shot on a given pattern , but it didn't seem like so to me.

Overall is a really good game that sticks well to the rules with good replay value to keep the player coming back.Good job MT!

Note: Graphics didn't matter for this competition but this game is nicely presented with simple but nice looking graphics.The Jet Pod could have used a bit of make up.The menus are fine and everything is well explained.
Having music is good but you should always give the player the option to turn it off.
Story was taken into consideration for the rating because you included it on the game.