Stage 1 - Corneria[edit]
After the two radar dishes, there are a set of arches. If you fly under all of them, you can get a twin blaster from the large building (although you have to be careful not to strike the door.) A checkpoint is after the series of falling columns.
You can also collect a bomb by banking as you fly between the low buildings. To destroy the attack carrier, first shoot the right hand component. When it is destroyed, launch a nova bomb when the left side becomes vulnearble. After that, you should have no difficulty destroying the main body.
Stage 2 - Sector X[edit]
This stage is home to a destroyed space station, with debris spinning around in circles. There is an extra life available soon after the first spinning piece. Shoot the 3-piece ring three times to release it.
A bomb is found in the long series of spinning beams. After these spinning beams, you can find an enemy with a twin blaster. The rock crusher is first destroyed by shooting the eight laser turrets. When destroyed, it will release its shield, and attack using missiles.
Stage 3 - Titania[edit]
When you encounter the three shootable doors, you need to shoot the right door, and pass through the weather control machine. However, you can continue approaching the center door in order to collect the twin blaster until your weapon is maxed out. The checkpoint appears once you enter the building, but your shields will not recharge.
You will encounter the enemy Professor Hanger. Take out the initial wave of enemies in the water to provoke the enemy into approaching. When it come close, attack it with everything you have. It will quickly fall, but if you are low on health, you will want to use Nova bombs in order to destroy the two ships it releases at you.
Stage 4 - Sector Y[edit]
Use 
or 
to shake off amoebas.
You should attack most of the enemies you encounter, but watch out for the large stingray; if you attack it, it will try ramming you. An extralife may be found in the amoeba field. Shoot the space whale to release a quantity of powerups (including twin blasters, shield, and bombs.)
Destroy the Plasma Hydra by attacking the ends of the arms. When they are both destroyed, the main body will become vulnerable. While the arms regrow, they tend to be weak after the first regrowth.
Stage 5 - Venom[edit]
When you reach the Metal Smasher, target and destroy one of the two halves. The other half will self-destruct. You will also need to use brake whenever it approaches to avoid its smashing attack.
Stage 6 - Venom surface[edit]
The main stage itself is easy to complete, but the boss fight will be difficult. The only practical surprise is a falling beam after collecting a bomb, but before a checkpoint. The Galactic Rider releases two air bikers, but that is not the main threat. After their release, the rider will slow down in an attempt to ram your ship. Dodge by moving to the side. As soon as the rider begins to move left or right, hit the brake, and fly to the other side.
It is only vulnerable when releasing the air bikers. When you reach andross, he will follow his usual patern by shooting blocks from his eyes, and after a short delay, a large number of blocks from the mouth. Once you are able to take out the eye, Andross's core will be exposed. However, after the first time you poke out the eyes, they are much easier to destroy.