/vr/ - Retro Games

Why did no one tell me this game was amazing? I just played for the first time and I felt like a kid again with how much fun I was having.
The music, the visuals, the spectacle, the gameplay, fucking amazing. It just felt like pure, unadulterated adrenaline from start to finish. I haven't felt this way about a game since I was a kid, I couldn't stop smiling. I'm taking it over to my friend's house so I can see how fun multiplayer is. Pic related is my best score so far.
Let's talk strategy. What the hell do I do to improve? I know my hitbox is tiny, but how small is it really? And as far as dodging, is it mostly pattern recognition? Shot, or laser?
I don't mind replaying this over and over. Maybe I could shoot for a one credit clear. At any rate, I won't use any continues, I'll just keep taking losses until I can clear it the right way.
If anyone has any good recommendations for others shmups I may enjoy if I liked this, I'm all ears. I think I'm a convert.