Comrade, although I like Sinistron/Violent Soldier, I would recommend you play it via emulation before shelling out $$$, because I just choke and die on the asteroid stage 8/10 times (and I am good at shootemups).
I should go to a therapist and find out why I have such a psychological issue with the damn asteroids. Trauma from my youth? Horrible strategy?
Sad, but true.
Dude, that stage is tough as nails... and it only gets worse from there. Difficulty curve? Who needs that shit! Let's lull players into a false sense of security in the first three stages and then drop the hammer on them in the fourth!
But here's the funny part: I can pass all the other stages with very little problems! Even the last stage!
So I just have a major mental-block with the asteroids.
The tactics for the giant maze (and missiles sneaking up your arse) and etc etc are not a problem for me.
So crazy.