AlienCruise

Story-related; cannot be missed.

The Star of Parcaneas is the big pink planet, and what I would consider the first level of the game, and as such, it's pretty simple. The first and third stages don't pose any real problems. The second stage has a midboss fight that can be problematic since there is quite a bit going on: enemies shoot at you, electric walls you need to destroy, the boss shooting at you, and the boss charging at you. In general, just constantly shoot while dodging bullets. I wouldn't bother focusing on shooting the midboss, since that will happen naturally anyway. Instead, focus on dodging all the projectiles coming your way, prioritize the electric walls, and the midboss should die in the process.

The boss of this level is incredibly easy. You'll be able to grab a shotgun powerup in the third stage, and if you can keep it (avoid dying) for the boss, he'll barely be able to attack you. It floats around the room and then eventually summons homing rocks from the ground up. Focus fire on him and he'll be destroyed literally in around 20 seconds.