the player selects one of three different planes, each with different ratings in speed, power, and the strength of their homing attack. when flying through the levels, three primary weapons can be used by picking up their respective items, to fire either spreading vulcan bullets, straight-firing lasers, or multi-directional missiles. by holding button 1, the player can charge up to fire a special missile. if this missile hits a large enemy, the player will lock on to that enemy, and can fire fast homing projectiles to damage it further. there is also a supply of smart bombs which can be used to clear away the majority of enemies and their projectiles from the screen. smart bombs can also be charged up, and each level of charge yields a different effect. if the player is shot down while charging up a bomb, the bomb does not go off.