Funny how after almost decades since I last played I found this game very easy, but then again compared to "Bullet Hell" type of games which seem to be predominant these days, old school shooters are a breeze for someone who grew up playing 194X series.
Anyway, old post but bragging aside, maybe it helps someone else, this game is very easy once you spot the only factor that can actually hurt you in lower difficulties, which is having direct contact with enemy ships, any collision hurts way, waaaay more than bullets, so there's 2 things you can do, either memorize all stage patterns so you can easily avoid then or get a good Fan Type of Rear and Front weapon combo, so you can sit in the middle and have a greater view of your surroundings.
Something like, Proton on front, Wild Ball on rear and Micro Missiles on both sides, always remember to upgrade everything and you're pretty much set for everything on lower difficulties, I personally would go with the Pulse Cannon on the front to avoid anything coming at me on a straight line but that's taste I guess, also be ware of the shield meter, never let it drop past 25% of whatever is your maximum to avoid getting structural damage, just stop getting hit for a few seconds and let it recharge.
Good luck.
Post edited April 08, 2012 by Ashedown