Neat game, but it's no Ikaruga. For your own sake, use the mouse control. I chose keyboard control (and still beat the game), but mouse control is definitely more reliable. Try to stick more to the left side of the screen when killing a bunch of enemies, because the money gradually floats down and to the right. More chance to pick up cash. Hold off using your adrenaline against the bosses until you're in a LOT of danger, it pays off. Try to have the blue shield power against boss 5 (the only really challenging part of the game in my opinion). I used the laser wingmen, but I"m not sure which are better. Good luck.