This thread inspired me to play completely through the game in one sitting. I was wearing some new headphones, the sound on this game is so badass. I managed to beat it while only losing one life.
lol I don't know how you do it. I'm stuck on stage 6. Gotta beat 5 bosses in a row. My goal tomorrow is to beat stage 6.
I've been playing it for over 15 Years and it's my favorite game.
Stage 6 is ridiculously easy if you use Maria and her special moves. This can be handy if you just want to get past it for now to see the end.
Otherwise, my strategy is to go in with the axe equipped. Actually, I use the axe whenever I can. It's ridiculously useful and the item crash doesn't used that many hearts and gives you temporary invincibility.
First fight against the bad. Use the whip only. It's not that hard on its own but you can't get hit since you need that life. Use the whip and save your hearts, only use the axe if the flame is about to hit you and you can't use your whip.
Medusa is fairly easy. Duck so she can't hit you with the eye beam, whip the shit out of her. Be careful when she stands still, you need to move back since she's gonna whip you. When she shoots out those circular things I just item crash since they are difficult to avoid.
The mummy is the hardest boss imo. Whip like a mofo, climb the square stones and jump over them. By the time you land he shoots a lot of bandages, item crash will get them all, whip some more. He should go down soon and give you a turkey!
Frankenstein isn't difficult but he's strong as hell. Keep your distance and whip him, if he grabs you it's gonna hurt bad. The backflip can save you when he shoots lightning.
Now you get to shaft. He's not terribly difficult on his own but your probably low on life and short on hearts. It's ok to die, you won't have to fight the bosses again, you'll go straight to Shaft. Can you dig it?