Hi, I just tried getting into Tyrian again. However, I'm kinda puzzled by the game design.

I accidentally activated a secret level in the second level of the game. However, the secret level is insanely hard, even when I play on Slow mode, because I haven't had the chance to get good upgrades.

I can't seem to figure out a way to NOT go to the secret level after first "unlocking it". Is it really the case that I have to hit my head against the wall trying beat the bastard of a stage? It seems like the only other option is to restart the whole game, but that poses another problem:

What if I'm further into the game at some point, and manage to activate another one? Should I just always pay attention to keeping multiple save files, in case I open a secret level and get the virtual middle finger again, when reaching that part of the game would take way longer?

Thanks!

Yeah, sorry. I bet you're hitting one of the crazy levels after the first level I added. Like Maze. That one is tough! I went a bit overboard, perhaps. :D

But if you manage to get through it you probably will be quite well off.

I did not plan on a way to get around it, if memory recalls, so you could start over. If you cheat to skip the level you will not get the reward from the level, but you could always do that. I want to say that the first secret level just deposits you in level 2 afterward. They're a bonus.