III with almost anything. Seems to work best for most situations. I just dislike the first few stages (especially the first one) in Gunhead/Blazing Lazers. Its slow, boring, the pacing sucks etc. Pretty much same issues as with the Super Aleste/Space Megaforce.
The second stage is the worst offender.
Revise Stage 2 and the game would be a lot better, IMHO.
I think it's just the music honestly. Has a different flavor to it. The level 4 theme is still absolutely legendary.
And space megaforce is even longer, with 12 levels!! It's so bad they included a shorter mode.
Played some Altered Beast (HuCard) today, got it done on my last life of my last continue. The lack of the voices is sad and the lack of i-frames is annoying, but I love everything else about it. The genny version is great but also an utter pushover and the (inferior) music doesn't even loop. I know the CD version is a bit better, though they didn't reduce the amount of damage needed for the last two bosses