1)Stay on the move and fi re continuously. Stray bullets may alert enemies to your location as you (or they) approach, but it’s better to tip your hand in exchange for a fi rst strike. If you come in with guns blazing, there’s a good chance your foes won’t live long enough to fi ght back.

2) On “Trench,” the third level of Act 2, you’ll start off owning the outer two bases, but you’ll want to reverse that situation in a hurry. Grab the speed power-up at the top of the level, then shoot down and storm the lowest base. Protect your position, then take the bases to your immediate northwest and northeast as fast as safety will allow. The only way in or out of these three bases is this central corridor, which contains a weapon power-up; it should be easy to defend your position with a Corsair or Destroyer. If you’re feeling brave, it’s not too tricky to sneak out and reclaim your original two bases and win by shutout.

3) Depth charges are useful all the time — toss them like they’re candy in pretty much any hostile area — but they work exceptionally well as presents for anyone on your tail. Hold X to haul ass, then pull Left Trigger to obliterate anybody in pursuit.