it290 wrote:
I've been experimenting with both, and I like the P-38 a bit better since you can take enemies down a bit faster on average, and the charge shot charges quicker and has better coverage. However, it's too slow and big for my tastes
Yeah, the Lightning would be the best plane if it was a little smaller. The charge shot is fast, but it's weak stuff compared to the BF-109. Bosses go down quickly with the BF's charge shot.
Give the Zero and Shinden planes a try, too. Zero's helper shot homes in on the closest enemy(ies), like the "free" setting in MUSHA, and the charge shot covers the entire top half of the playfield with firepower. I'm not the biggest fan of Shinden, since it's too fucking fast for precision dodging, but its bomb takes down boss forms in one hit. If you use it on the final form, where the worst bullet patterns typically emerge, you could save yourself some headaches.
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Do you guys think it's worth it pointwise to do this and piss off the boss, risking a silly death, or should I just concentrate on their main bodies, thus probably lasting a little longer?
No, unless you want to be number 1 on the score chart. I never take out boss parts unless they're part of a nasty bullet spread (the Groundchaser's last form). This is where the BF-109 kicks a lot of ass - just park the charge shot in the middle and the boss his history in no time.
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I've been sticking with three powerups for the most part -- should I be going for four and trying to score bonus points for extra powerups, or am I better off using fewer powerups?
Hm, not sure on this one. I'd try to get the extend as soon as possible before worrying about controlling rank. After all, there's a good possibility you'll steer into a bullet trying to dodge a power-up.
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At what point does your power level start to affect rank?
It's immediately, as far as I can tell. The moment you pick up a power-up during a boss fight, for instance, the firepower coming at you becomes more intense.
I really like this game, BTW. It was only 10 bucks, and I have a lot more fun with it than Shienryu, which I also recently purchased for 40.