it is about the only way that you can reach the ” b ” power – up way up top (which will make the rest of the level so much easier, of course).
a floating ” m ” power – up will tell you that end of the stage is near, but there is one last nasty area: a series of long claws followed by a spike wall immediately afterward. you will need to move back and forth under the claws (very carefully, of course) while shooting the wall.
a few more basic enemies later, and you will be at the boss. with the spread power – up, this fight is easy; 