Don't get discouraged by the high difficulty level early on, the game gets a lot easier once you find the townspeople (Smith sells armor and weapons, Bard provides buffs and Magician provides Potions). All bosses are bullet hell encounters, my combo was Red Armor, Protection Song and HP Potion but Boss Potion also works.
Medium badge for beating the first level is pretty generous. Also if you already beat the second level (and the game), the badge won't be auto-awarded, you'll have to go through 1-1 again.
If they learn to assemble we're all doomed...