Axelay/Stage 4

The fourth stage is in an underwater cave. It is one continuous trip from the entrance to the boss chamber.

There is a large number of enemies attached to the ceiling and ground. As such, the newly obtained cluster bomb is useful here, but you will have to use a different weapon to hit those on the ceiling.

One enemy apears to be in a circular pod. If you approach, it will jump out to try to damage the ship.

There is also blue blob-like creatures that will attach to the ship. Each amoeba will try to pull the ship downward if they attach. To shake them off, make quick alternating movements.

Boss
The enemy starts at the top of the area. The cavern will shake for a several seconds, causing rocks to drop from the ceiling, before the boss itself drops.

There are three attacks:
 * A lightning attack from the upper-left extension. When you see or hear the purple glow, you can move to avoid being hit, although this lightning beam will only change your weapon.  You may still want to dodge it if you are already damaged, since it may leave you vulnerable until you switch to a usable weapon.
 * It will release enemies from the bottom, which will fly around the arena. The enemies will shoot some bullets at you, but are easily defeated with most weapons.
 * When low on health, it will shoot additional shots from the blue spots above and below the core. If you are in line with the vulnerable point, these shots won't hit.

It protects its vulnerable point, but you will need to open it up first. Aim for the green membrane at the top-left corner of the boss to retract is defences and leave the core exposed. You may then attack it by staying at the waterline and firing foward, or by holding position above the vulnerable point and using the cluster bomb. When it starts to shoot from its four turrets, they won't hit your craft if you stay at the waterline, but can pin you down if the enemy starts to approach.