diff --git a/flower.fur b/flower.fur
index 84c0ab4..96d55e3 100644
Binary files a/flower.fur and b/flower.fur differ
diff --git a/res/fadebottom.png b/res/fadebottom.png
index a2a204f..b01a660 100644
Binary files a/res/fadebottom.png and b/res/fadebottom.png differ
diff --git a/res/fadetop.png b/res/fadetop.png
index c697e2a..494b862 100644
Binary files a/res/fadetop.png and b/res/fadetop.png differ
diff --git a/res/ground.png b/res/ground.png
index c69bc69..ef08f9c 100644
Binary files a/res/ground.png and b/res/ground.png differ
diff --git a/res/koakuma.png b/res/koakuma.png
index c930e29..aef3941 100644
Binary files a/res/koakuma.png and b/res/koakuma.png differ
diff --git a/res/pbullet.png b/res/pbullet.png
index 7e26b48..d1b92a7 100644
Binary files a/res/pbullet.png and b/res/pbullet.png differ
diff --git a/res/resources.res b/res/resources.res
index a734309..3fc9525 100644
--- a/res/resources.res
+++ b/res/resources.res
@@ -30,4 +30,6 @@ IMAGE mapIndicator "mapindicator.png" NONE NONE
 IMAGE imageFontBig "fontbig.png" NONE NONE
 IMAGE imageFontBigShadow "fontbigshadow.png" NONE NONE
 IMAGE imageChromeLife "life.png" NONE NONE
-IMAGE imageChromeLife2 "life2.png" NONE NONE
\ No newline at end of file
+IMAGE imageChromeLife2 "life2.png" NONE NONE
+
+XGM2 stageMusic "stage.vgm"
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/res/stage.vgm b/res/stage.vgm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9fe2c6d
Binary files /dev/null and b/res/stage.vgm differ
diff --git a/src/background.h b/src/background.h
index d1df8a3..680ce4f 100644
--- a/src/background.h
+++ b/src/background.h
@@ -1,26 +1,86 @@
 #define BG_I 8
-// #define FADE_TOP_I BG_I + 64
-// #define FADE_BOTTOM_I FADE_TOP_I + 64
 
-#define BG_OFF 24
+// zone-unique block: 64x64px ground block in sky area, only visible in zone 0
+// world X=256 = tile col 32, placed in sky row block 1 (tile row 8)
+#define ZONE_BLOCK_WORLD_X 256
+#define ZONE_BLOCK_COL ((ZONE_BLOCK_WORLD_X / 8) % 128)
+#define ZONE_BLOCK_ROW 16
+bool zoneBlockVisible;
+fix32 prevCamera;
+#define PARALLAX_COUNT 8
+fix32 parallaxAccum[PARALLAX_COUNT];
+static const fix32 parallaxMul[PARALLAX_COUNT] = {
+	FIX32(0.8), FIX32(0.7), FIX32(0.6), FIX32(0.5), FIX32(0.4), FIX32(0.3), FIX32(0.2), FIX32(0.1)
+};
+
+s16 bgScroll[28];
 
 void loadBackground(){
+	VDP_setScrollingMode(HSCROLL_TILE, VSCROLL_PLANE);
+	VDP_setVerticalScroll(BG_B, 32);
 	VDP_loadTileSet(sky.tileset, BG_I, DMA);
 	VDP_loadTileSet(ground.tileset, BG_I + 64, DMA);
-	// VDP_loadTileSet(fadeTop.tileset, FADE_TOP_I, DMA);
-	// VDP_loadTileSet(fadeBottom.tileset, FADE_BOTTOM_I, DMA);
+	VDP_loadTileSet(fadeBottom.tileset, BG_I + 64 + 64, DMA);
+	VDP_loadTileSet(fadeTop.tileset, BG_I + 64 + 64 + 4, DMA);
 	for(u8 y = 0; y < 4; y++){
 		for(u8 x = 0; x < 16; x++){
 			VDP_fillTileMapRectInc(BG_B, TILE_ATTR_FULL(PAL1, 0, 0, 0, BG_I + (y > 2 ? 64 : 0)), x * 8, y * 8, 8, 8);
 		}
 	}
-	// for(u8 x = 0; x < 5; x++){
-	// 	VDP_fillTileMapRectInc(BG_A, TILE_ATTR_FULL(PAL1, 0, 0, 0, FADE_TOP_I), x * 8, 0, 8, 8);
-	// 	VDP_fillTileMapRectInc(BG_A, TILE_ATTR_FULL(PAL1, 0, 0, 0, FADE_BOTTOM_I), x * 8, 20, 8, 8);
-	// }
+	// place 64x64 ground block in sky area (zone 0 only)
+	VDP_fillTileMapRectInc(BG_B, TILE_ATTR_FULL(PAL1, 0, 0, 0, BG_I + 64), ZONE_BLOCK_COL, ZONE_BLOCK_ROW, 8, 8);
+	zoneBlockVisible = TRUE;
+	prevCamera = player.camera;
+	for(u8 i = 0; i < PARALLAX_COUNT; i++)
+		parallaxAccum[i] = fix32Mul(player.camera + FIX32(256), parallaxMul[i]);
+	// write initial scroll values so first frame has correct parallax
+	s16 initScroll = fix32ToInt(-player.camera);
+	for(u8 i = 0; i < 20; i++)
+		bgScroll[i] = initScroll;
+	for(u8 i = 0; i < 8; i++)
+		bgScroll[27 - i] = (initScroll - fix32ToInt(parallaxAccum[i]));
+	VDP_setHorizontalScrollTile(BG_B, 0, bgScroll, 28, DMA);
+
+	// fade
+	// for(u8 x = 0; x < 20; x++)
+	// 	VDP_fillTileMapRectInc(BG_A, TILE_ATTR_FULL(PAL1, 0, 0, 0, BG_I + 64 + 64), x * 2, 26, 2, 2);
+	// for(u8 x = 0; x < 10; x++)
+	// 	VDP_fillTileMapRectInc(BG_A, TILE_ATTR_FULL(PAL1, 0, 0, 0, BG_I + 64 + 64 + 4), x * 4, 22, 4, 4);
 }
 
 void updateBackground(){
-	VDP_setHorizontalScroll(BG_B, fix32ToInt(-player.camera));
-	VDP_setVerticalScroll(BG_B, (fix32ToInt(player.pos.y) - BG_OFF) >> 3);
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+	s16 scrollVal = fix32ToInt(-player.camera);
+
+	// accumulate parallax from camera delta (not absolute position)
+	// this avoids discontinuities at world wrap boundaries
+	// GAME_WRAP is already fix32, so use directly (no FIX32 wrapper)
+	fix32 delta = player.camera - prevCamera;
+	if(delta > GAME_WRAP / 2) delta -= GAME_WRAP;
+	else if(delta < -(GAME_WRAP / 2)) delta += GAME_WRAP;
+	prevCamera = player.camera;
+
+	// update accumulators once, reuse for top and bottom
+	for(u8 i = 0; i < PARALLAX_COUNT; i++){
+		parallaxAccum[i] += fix32Mul(delta, parallaxMul[i]);
+		if(parallaxAccum[i] > FIX32(1024)) parallaxAccum[i] -= FIX32(1024);
+		else if(parallaxAccum[i] < FIX32(-1024)) parallaxAccum[i] += FIX32(1024);
+	}
+
+	for(u8 i = 0; i < 20; i++)
+		bgScroll[i] = scrollVal;
+	for(u8 i = 0; i < 8; i++)
+		bgScroll[27 - i] = (scrollVal - fix32ToInt(parallaxAccum[i]));
+
+	VDP_setHorizontalScrollTile(BG_B, 0, bgScroll, 28, DMA);
+
+	// show ground block only when zone 0 copy of these columns is on screen
+	fix32 dx = getWrappedDelta(FIX32(ZONE_BLOCK_WORLD_X + 32), player.camera + FIX32(160));
+	bool shouldShow = (dx > FIX32(-212) && dx < FIX32(212));
+	if(shouldShow && !zoneBlockVisible){
+		VDP_fillTileMapRectInc(BG_B, TILE_ATTR_FULL(PAL1, 0, 0, 0, BG_I + 64), ZONE_BLOCK_COL, ZONE_BLOCK_ROW, 8, 8);
+		zoneBlockVisible = TRUE;
+	} else if(!shouldShow && zoneBlockVisible){
+		VDP_fillTileMapRectInc(BG_B, TILE_ATTR_FULL(PAL1, 0, 0, 0, BG_I), ZONE_BLOCK_COL, ZONE_BLOCK_ROW, 8, 8);
+		zoneBlockVisible = FALSE;
+	}
+}
diff --git a/src/bullets.h b/src/bullets.h
index 4540bef..a23be4e 100644
--- a/src/bullets.h
+++ b/src/bullets.h
@@ -144,11 +144,17 @@ static void collideWithPlayer(u8 i){
 		fix32ToInt(deltaX),
 		fix32ToInt(deltaY));
 	if(dist <= 4){
+		// convert enemy bullet to player bullet explosion in-place
+		SPR_setDefinition(bullets[i].image, &pBulletSprite);
+		bullets[i].player = TRUE;
+		bullets[i].pos.x = player.pos.x;
+		bullets[i].pos.y = player.pos.y;
 		killBullet(i, TRUE);
 		sfxExplosion();
 		player.lives--;
 		if(player.lives == 0){
 			gameOver = TRUE;
+			XGM2_stop();
 		} else {
 			player.recoveringClock = 120;
 			killBullets = TRUE;
diff --git a/src/chrome.h b/src/chrome.h
index d17a457..dc0ad08 100644
--- a/src/chrome.h
+++ b/src/chrome.h
@@ -174,6 +174,15 @@ static void updateMap(){
 	VDP_setTileMapXY(BG_A, MAP_PLAYER_TILE, MAP_X + MAP_W / 2, MAP_Y + pRow);
 }
 
+s16 lastLevel;
+static void drawLevel(){
+	char lvlStr[4];
+	uintToStr(level + 1, lvlStr, 1);
+	VDP_drawText("L", 1, 26);
+	VDP_drawText(lvlStr, 2, 26);
+	lastLevel = level;
+}
+
 void loadChrome(){
 	VDP_loadTileSet(imageFontBig.tileset, FONT_BIG_I, DMA);
 	VDP_loadTileSet(imageFontBigShadow.tileset, FONT_BIG_I + 32, DMA);
@@ -183,6 +192,7 @@ void loadChrome(){
 	lastScore = 1;
 	drawScore();
 	drawLives();
+	drawLevel();
 }
 
 bool didGameOver;
@@ -191,7 +201,25 @@ static void doGameOver(){
 	didGameOver = TRUE;
 	for(s16 i = 0; i < BULLET_COUNT; i++) if(bullets[i].active) SPR_setPalette(bullets[i].image, PAL1);
 	for(s16 i = 0; i < ENEMY_COUNT; i++) if(enemies[i].active) SPR_setPalette(enemies[i].image, PAL1);
-	for(s16 i = 0; i < HUMAN_COUNT; i++) if(humans[i].active) SPR_setPalette(humans[i].image, PAL1);
+	for(s16 i = 0; i < HUMAN_COUNT; i++) if(humans[i].active){
+		if(humans[i].state == HUMAN_COLLECTED){
+			// spawn player bullet explosion at carried human position
+			struct bulletSpawner spawner = {
+				.x = humans[i].pos.x, .y = humans[i].pos.y,
+				.anim = 0, .speed = 0, .angle = 0, .player = TRUE
+			};
+			void noop(s16 j){ (void)j; }
+			spawnBullet(spawner, noop);
+			for(s16 j = BULLET_COUNT - 1; j >= 0; j--){
+				if(bullets[j].active && !bullets[j].explosion
+					&& bullets[j].pos.x == humans[i].pos.x && bullets[j].pos.y == humans[i].pos.y){
+					killBullet(j, TRUE);
+					break;
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		killHuman(i);
+	}
 	SPR_releaseSprite(player.image);
 	// clear minimap
 	VDP_clearTileMapRect(BG_A, MAP_X, MAP_Y, MAP_W, MAP_H);
@@ -210,6 +238,7 @@ static void showPause(){
 	for(s16 i = 0; i < ENEMY_COUNT; i++) if(enemies[i].active) SPR_setPalette(enemies[i].image, PAL1);
 	for(s16 i = 0; i < HUMAN_COUNT; i++) if(humans[i].active) SPR_setPalette(humans[i].image, PAL1);
 	SPR_setPalette(player.image, PAL1);
+	XGM2_pause();
 	VDP_drawText("PAUSE", 17, 13);
 }
 
@@ -218,6 +247,7 @@ static void clearPause(){
 	for(s16 i = 0; i < ENEMY_COUNT; i++) if(enemies[i].active) SPR_setPalette(enemies[i].image, PAL0);
 	for(s16 i = 0; i < HUMAN_COUNT; i++) if(humans[i].active) SPR_setPalette(humans[i].image, PAL0);
 	SPR_setPalette(player.image, PAL0);
+	XGM2_resume();
 	VDP_clearText(17, 13, 5);
 }
 
@@ -276,5 +306,6 @@ void updateChrome(){
 		drawScore();
 	}
 	if(lastLives != player.lives) drawLives();
+	if(lastLevel != level) drawLevel();
 	if(clock % 4 == 0) updateMap();
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/enemies.h b/src/enemies.h
index d7b6936..7fc269d 100644
--- a/src/enemies.h
+++ b/src/enemies.h
@@ -49,10 +49,12 @@ void spawnEnemy(u8 type, u8 zone){
 		enemies[i].active = FALSE;
 		return;
 	}
+	SPR_setVisibility(enemies[i].image, HIDDEN);
 	enemies[i].hp = 1;
 	for(u8 j = 0; j < PROP_COUNT; j++){
 		enemies[i].ints[j] = 0;
 	}
+	enemies[i].ints[3] = -1;
 	switch(enemies[i].type){
 		case ENEMY_TYPE_TEST:
 			loadEnemyOne(i);
@@ -146,9 +148,31 @@ static void updateEnemy(u8 i){
 			break;
 	}
 
+	// enemy->player collision
+	if(enemies[i].onScreen && !gameOver && player.recoveringClock == 0){
+		fix32 edx = getWrappedDelta(enemies[i].pos.x, player.pos.x);
+		fix32 edy = enemies[i].pos.y - player.pos.y;
+		if(edx >= FIX32(-16) && edx <= FIX32(16) && edy >= FIX32(-16) && edy <= FIX32(16)){
+			sfxExplosion();
+			if(enemies[i].type != ENEMY_TYPE_BOSS){
+				enemies[i].hp = 0;
+				killEnemy(i);
+			}
+			player.lives--;
+			if(player.lives == 0){
+				gameOver = TRUE;
+				XGM2_stop();
+			} else {
+				player.recoveringClock = 120;
+				killBullets = TRUE;
+			}
+		}
+	}
+
 	s16 sx = getScreenX(enemies[i].pos.x, player.camera);
 	s16 sy = fix32ToInt(enemies[i].pos.y);
 	SPR_setVisibility(enemies[i].image, enemies[i].onScreen ? VISIBLE : HIDDEN);
+	SPR_setHFlip(enemies[i].image, enemies[i].vel.x > 0);
 	SPR_setPosition(enemies[i].image, sx - enemies[i].off, sy - enemies[i].off);
 
 	enemies[i].clock++;
diff --git a/src/enemytypes.h b/src/enemytypes.h
index 588d0b0..61f0ee4 100644
--- a/src/enemytypes.h
+++ b/src/enemytypes.h
@@ -1,4 +1,26 @@
-// test enemy -- for testing out bullet stress
+// =============================================================================
+// --- Type 0: Test / Fairy (EnemyOne) ---
+// =============================================================================
+// The original enemy type. A fairy that shoots 8-bullet circular bursts and
+// also seeks/abducts humans (same carry behavior as Builder).
+//
+// Behavior:
+//   - When NOT carrying: drifts at speed 2, shoots 8 bullets in a circle
+//     every 20 frames (only when on screen). Also scans for nearby walking
+//     humans every 30 frames and steers toward the closest one within 256px.
+//     Grabs the human when within 16px.
+//   - When carrying: flies upward (angle 704-832, roughly up-left to up-right)
+//     at speed 2. Skips all shooting. boundsEnemy() handles reaching the top
+//     (kills human, self-destructs -- does NOT spawn a Gunner unlike Builder).
+//
+// ints[0] = random shot timer offset (0-59), desynchronizes shooting from
+//           other enemies so they don't all fire on the same frame
+// ints[2] = target human index (-1 = no target)
+// ints[3] = carried human index (-1 = not carrying)
+//
+// Speed: 2   HP: 1   Shoots: yes (8-bullet radial, every 20 frames)
+// Abducts: yes (only 1 human globally at a time via humanBeingCarried flag)
+// =============================================================================
 void loadEnemyOne(u8 i){
 	enemies[i].ints[0] = random() % 60;
 	enemies[i].ints[2] = -1; // target human index
@@ -90,9 +112,28 @@ void updateEnemyOne(u8 i){
 	}
 }
 
+// =============================================================================
 // --- Type 1: Drone ---
-// Pressure enemy. Homes toward player, simple aimed shots.
-// ints[0] = random shot offset, ints[1] = recalc timer
+// =============================================================================
+// Bread-and-butter pressure enemy. Periodically recalculates heading toward
+// the player and fires single aimed bullets. The main "fodder" type -- use
+// high counts (8-16) to create constant movement pressure without overwhelming
+// bullet density.
+//
+// Behavior:
+//   - Recalculates heading toward player every 30 frames (ints[1] counter).
+//     Between recalcs, travels in a straight line at speed 2.
+//   - Fires 1 aimed bullet at player every 40 frames. Only shoots when:
+//     a) on screen, AND b) level index >= 1 (i.e. L2+, so L1 drones are
+//     harmless). This is hardcoded, separate from LevelDef.dronesShoot.
+//   - Bounces off top/bottom screen edges.
+//
+// ints[0] = random shot timer offset (0-59), prevents synchronized volleys
+// ints[1] = heading recalculation timer (counts up to 30)
+//
+// Speed: 2   HP: 1   Shoots: yes (1 aimed bullet, every 40 frames, L2+ only)
+// Abducts: no
+// =============================================================================
 void loadDrone(u8 i){
 	enemies[i].ints[0] = random() % 60;
 	enemies[i].ints[1] = 0;
@@ -132,9 +173,32 @@ void updateDrone(u8 i){
 	}
 }
 
+// =============================================================================
 // --- Type 2: Gunner ---
-// Bullet geometry. Slow drift, patterned danmaku.
-// ints[0] = pattern type (0=radial, 1=aimed fan), ints[1] = shot timer offset, ints[2] = angle accumulator
+// =============================================================================
+// Danmaku / bullet geometry enemy. Drifts very slowly (speed 0.5), acting more
+// like a turret than a chaser. Only fires when on screen. The bullet pattern is
+// set by LevelDef.gunnerPattern (written to ints[0] by loadLevel).
+//
+// Behavior:
+//   - Drifts at speed 0.5 in a random initial direction. Bounces off top/bottom.
+//   - Does nothing when off screen (early return).
+//   - Pattern 0 (Radial Burst): fires 8 bullets in a circle every 60 frames.
+//     Start angle rotates by 24 each volley, creating a spiral-over-time effect.
+//     Bullet speed 3. Predictable, good for learning dodge patterns.
+//   - Pattern 1 (Aimed Fan): fires 5 bullets aimed at player, spread across
+//     +-64 angle units, every 45 frames. Bullet speed 3. More aggressive and
+//     targeted -- harder to dodge at close range.
+//   - Pattern is set per-gunner at level load. gunnerPattern=2 means each
+//     gunner randomly picks 0 or 1, creating mixed bullet fields.
+//
+// ints[0] = pattern type (0=radial, 1=aimed fan). Set by loadLevel, not random.
+// ints[1] = random shot timer offset (0-59)
+// ints[2] = angle accumulator (radial pattern only, rotates start angle)
+//
+// Speed: 0.5   HP: 1   Shoots: yes (pattern-dependent, see above)
+// Abducts: no
+// =============================================================================
 void loadGunner(u8 i){
 	enemies[i].ints[0] = random() % 2;
 	enemies[i].ints[1] = random() % 60;
@@ -187,8 +251,30 @@ void updateGunner(u8 i){
 	}
 }
 
+// =============================================================================
 // --- Type 3: Hunter ---
-// Fast chaser. Homes toward player every frame. No shooting.
+// =============================================================================
+// Fast, relentless chaser. Homes toward the player EVERY frame with speed 5
+// (matching player's normal speed). Never shoots -- pure body-collision threat.
+// Forces the player to keep moving and use focus mode / diagonal movement to
+// outrun. Very dangerous in groups.
+//
+// Behavior:
+//   - Recalculates angle toward player every frame (no delay like Drone).
+//   - Moves at speed 5 (player normal speed = 6, focus = 3.5).
+//   - Bounces off top/bottom screen edges.
+//   - No shooting, no abduction. Just chases.
+//
+// No custom ints used.
+//
+// Speed: 5   HP: 1   Shoots: no   Abducts: no
+//
+// Design notes:
+//   - 2-3 hunters alongside gunners is very hard (dodge bullets while fleeing)
+//   - 4+ hunters with no gunners is a pure movement/positioning challenge
+//   - 6 hunters is near-impossible -- only for late-game punishment
+//   - Hunters are the anti-camping enemy: you can't sit still
+// =============================================================================
 void loadHunter(u8 i){
 	enemies[i].angle = random() % 1024;
 	enemies[i].speed = FIX32(5);
@@ -203,9 +289,39 @@ void updateHunter(u8 i){
 	enemies[i].vel.y = fix32Mul(fix16ToFix32(sinFix16(enemies[i].angle)), enemies[i].speed);
 }
 
+// =============================================================================
 // --- Type 4: Builder (Abductor) ---
-// Seeks and abducts humans. On reaching top with human, spawns a Gunner.
-// ints[0] = scan offset, ints[2] = target human, ints[3] = carried human
+// =============================================================================
+// Human abductor. Drifts slowly, scans for walking humans, grabs one, and
+// flies upward. If it reaches the top of the screen with a human, the human
+// is killed and a Gunner spawns at that position -- punishing the player for
+// not intercepting. Only 1 human can be globally carried at a time
+// (humanBeingCarried flag).
+//
+// Behavior:
+//   - When NOT carrying: drifts at speed 0.7. Scans for nearest walking human
+//     within 256px every 30 frames. If a target is found, switches to seeking
+//     speed (1.4) and homes toward it. Grabs when within 16px.
+//   - When carrying: flies upward (angle 704-832) at speed 1.4.
+//     boundsEnemy() handles reaching the top: kills the human, spawns a Gunner
+//     at the builder's position, then self-destructs.
+//   - If the carried human gets collected by the player while being carried,
+//     boundsEnemy() detects this and kills the builder (enemy dies, human safe).
+//   - Cancels its target if another enemy is already carrying a human.
+//   - No shooting at all.
+//
+// ints[0] = random scan timer offset (0-59)
+// ints[2] = target human index (-1 = no target)
+// ints[3] = carried human index (-1 = not carrying)
+//
+// Speed: 0.7 (drift), 1.4 (seeking/carrying)   HP: 1   Shoots: no
+// Abducts: yes (kills human + spawns Gunner if it reaches the top)
+//
+// Design notes:
+//   - 1 builder adds light urgency. 2 builders is stressful.
+//   - Pairs well with drones to split the player's attention.
+//   - The Gunner spawn on success makes ignoring builders snowball badly.
+// =============================================================================
 void loadBuilder(u8 i){
 	enemies[i].ints[0] = random() % 60;
 	enemies[i].ints[2] = -1;
@@ -274,62 +390,243 @@ void updateBuilder(u8 i){
 	}
 }
 
+// =============================================================================
 // --- Type 5: Boss ---
-// High HP, alternates 2 patterns. hp set by level data via ints[0].
-// ints[0] = initial hp (set by stage), ints[1] = pattern timer, ints[2] = current pattern
+// =============================================================================
+// High-HP enemy with phase-based attack patterns. Boss number is set via
+// pendingBossNum global before spawn (because spawnEnemy zeroes all ints[]).
+// HP is set via pendingBossHp. Both are auto-configured by loadLevel() based
+// on the level's bossHp field and level index.
+//
+// Behavior:
+//   - Speed 1, bounces off top/bottom. Only attacks when on screen.
+//   - Attack pattern changes based on remaining HP. HP range is divided into
+//     N equal phases. Phase 0 = full health, highest phase = near death.
+//     Later bosses have more phases and higher HP, so they cycle through
+//     more varied and increasingly aggressive patterns.
+//   - Each boss (1-5) has a unique updateBoss function with different pattern
+//     selections and timings per phase.
+//
+// ints[0] = boss number (0-4), selects which updateBoss variant runs
+// ints[4] = max HP (stored at load for phase calculation)
+//
+// Boss 1 (L4):  25 HP, 2 phases -- radial, then aimed fan
+// Boss 2 (L8):  50 HP, 3 phases -- radial, aimed fan, spiral
+// Boss 3 (L12): 75 HP, 4 phases -- radial, spiral, aimed fan, double radial
+// Boss 4 (L16): 100 HP, 5 phases -- adds wide spray
+// Boss 5 (L20): 125 HP, 6 phases -- adds ring burst (all patterns used)
+//
+// Available boss attack patterns:
+//   Radial:       N bullets in even circle, random start angle. Predictable.
+//   Aimed Fan:    N bullets in arc aimed at player. Targeted.
+//   Spiral:       N bullets in circle, start angle rotates with clock. Mesmerizing.
+//   Double Radial: Two offset rings (outer fast, inner slow). Dense.
+//   Wide Spray:   N bullets in random spread toward player. Chaotic.
+//   Ring Burst:   N bullets in even circle (like radial but different anim). Climactic.
+//
+// Speed: 1   HP: varies   Shoots: yes (phase-dependent)   Abducts: no
+// =============================================================================
+
+// shared pattern functions
+static void bossPatternRadial(u8 i, u8 count, fix32 speed){
+	sfxEnemyShotB();
+	s16 baseAngle = random() % 1024;
+	struct bulletSpawner spawner = {
+		.x = enemies[i].pos.x, .y = enemies[i].pos.y,
+		.anim = 3 + (random() % 3), .speed = speed, .angle = baseAngle,
+	};
+	s16 step = 1024 / count;
+	for(u8 j = 0; j < count; j++){
+		spawnBullet(spawner, EMPTY);
+		spawner.angle += step;
+	}
+}
+
+static void bossPatternAimedFan(u8 i, u8 count, s16 spread, fix32 speed){
+	sfxEnemyShotA();
+	fix32 dx = getWrappedDelta(player.pos.x, enemies[i].pos.x);
+	fix32 dy = player.pos.y - enemies[i].pos.y;
+	s16 aimAngle = honeAngle(
+		fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.x), fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.x) + fix32ToFix16(dx),
+		fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.y), fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.y) + fix32ToFix16(dy));
+	s16 step = (count > 1) ? (spread * 2) / (count - 1) : 0;
+	struct bulletSpawner spawner = {
+		.x = enemies[i].pos.x, .y = enemies[i].pos.y,
+		.anim = 9 + (random() % 3), .speed = speed, .angle = aimAngle - spread,
+	};
+	for(u8 j = 0; j < count; j++){
+		spawnBullet(spawner, EMPTY);
+		spawner.angle += step;
+	}
+}
+
+static void bossPatternSpiral(u8 i, u8 count, fix32 speed){
+	sfxEnemyShotC();
+	s16 baseAngle = (enemies[i].clock * 17) % 1024;
+	struct bulletSpawner spawner = {
+		.x = enemies[i].pos.x, .y = enemies[i].pos.y,
+		.anim = 6 + (random() % 3), .speed = speed, .angle = baseAngle,
+	};
+	s16 step = 1024 / count;
+	for(u8 j = 0; j < count; j++){
+		spawnBullet(spawner, EMPTY);
+		spawner.angle += step;
+	}
+}
+
+static void bossPatternDoubleRadial(u8 i, u8 count, fix32 speed){
+	sfxEnemyShotB();
+	s16 baseAngle = random() % 1024;
+	s16 step = 1024 / count;
+	struct bulletSpawner spawner = {
+		.x = enemies[i].pos.x, .y = enemies[i].pos.y,
+		.anim = 3 + (random() % 3), .speed = speed, .angle = baseAngle,
+	};
+	for(u8 j = 0; j < count; j++){
+		spawnBullet(spawner, EMPTY);
+		spawner.angle += step;
+	}
+	spawner.angle = baseAngle + step / 2;
+	spawner.speed = speed - FIX32(1);
+	spawner.anim = 6 + (random() % 3);
+	for(u8 j = 0; j < count; j++){
+		spawnBullet(spawner, EMPTY);
+		spawner.angle += step;
+	}
+}
+
+static void bossPatternWideSpray(u8 i, u8 count, fix32 speed){
+	sfxEnemyShotA();
+	fix32 dx = getWrappedDelta(player.pos.x, enemies[i].pos.x);
+	fix32 dy = player.pos.y - enemies[i].pos.y;
+	s16 aimAngle = honeAngle(
+		fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.x), fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.x) + fix32ToFix16(dx),
+		fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.y), fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.y) + fix32ToFix16(dy));
+	struct bulletSpawner spawner = {
+		.x = enemies[i].pos.x, .y = enemies[i].pos.y,
+		.anim = 3 + (random() % 9), .speed = speed, .angle = aimAngle,
+	};
+	for(u8 j = 0; j < count; j++){
+		spawner.angle = aimAngle - 128 + (random() % 256);
+		spawner.speed = speed - FIX32(random() % 2);
+		spawnBullet(spawner, EMPTY);
+	}
+}
+
+static void bossPatternRingBurst(u8 i, u8 count, fix32 speed){
+	sfxEnemyShotB();
+	sfxEnemyShotC();
+	s16 baseAngle = random() % 1024;
+	s16 step = 1024 / count;
+	struct bulletSpawner spawner = {
+		.x = enemies[i].pos.x, .y = enemies[i].pos.y,
+		.anim = 9 + (random() % 3), .speed = speed, .angle = baseAngle,
+	};
+	for(u8 j = 0; j < count; j++){
+		spawnBullet(spawner, EMPTY);
+		spawner.angle += step;
+	}
+}
+
+// get current phase based on HP. phase 0 = full health, higher = more damaged
+static u8 getBossPhase(u8 i, u8 numPhases){
+	s16 maxHp = enemies[i].ints[4];
+	if(maxHp <= 0) return 0;
+	s16 lost = maxHp - enemies[i].hp;
+	if(lost < 0) lost = 0;
+	u8 phase = (lost * numPhases) / maxHp;
+	if(phase >= numPhases) phase = numPhases - 1;
+	return phase;
+}
+
 void loadBoss(u8 i){
-	enemies[i].hp = pendingBossHp > 0 ? pendingBossHp : 10;
+	enemies[i].hp = pendingBossHp > 0 ? pendingBossHp : 25;
 	pendingBossHp = 0;
+	enemies[i].ints[0] = pendingBossNum;
+	pendingBossNum = 0;
 	enemies[i].ints[1] = 0;
-	enemies[i].ints[2] = 0;
+	enemies[i].ints[4] = enemies[i].hp;
 	enemies[i].angle = random() % 1024;
 	enemies[i].speed = FIX32(1);
 }
+
+// Boss 1 (L6): 2 patterns, 25 HP
+static void updateBossOne(u8 i){
+	u8 phase = getBossPhase(i, 2);
+	if(phase == 0){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 50 == 0) bossPatternRadial(i, 10, FIX32(3));
+	} else {
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 40 == 0) bossPatternAimedFan(i, 6, 80, FIX32(3));
+	}
+}
+
+// Boss 2 (L12): 3 patterns, 50 HP
+static void updateBossTwo(u8 i){
+	u8 phase = getBossPhase(i, 3);
+	if(phase == 0){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 50 == 0) bossPatternRadial(i, 12, FIX32(3));
+	} else if(phase == 1){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 40 == 0) bossPatternAimedFan(i, 8, 96, FIX32(3));
+	} else {
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 35 == 0) bossPatternSpiral(i, 6, FIX32(4));
+	}
+}
+
+// Boss 3 (L18): 4 patterns, 75 HP
+static void updateBossThree(u8 i){
+	u8 phase = getBossPhase(i, 4);
+	if(phase == 0){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 50 == 0) bossPatternRadial(i, 12, FIX32(3));
+	} else if(phase == 1){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 40 == 0) bossPatternSpiral(i, 8, FIX32(3));
+	} else if(phase == 2){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 35 == 0) bossPatternAimedFan(i, 10, 112, FIX32(4));
+	} else {
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 30 == 0) bossPatternDoubleRadial(i, 8, FIX32(4));
+	}
+}
+
+// Boss 4 (L24): 5 patterns, 100 HP
+static void updateBossFour(u8 i){
+	u8 phase = getBossPhase(i, 5);
+	if(phase == 0){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 50 == 0) bossPatternRadial(i, 14, FIX32(3));
+	} else if(phase == 1){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 40 == 0) bossPatternAimedFan(i, 8, 96, FIX32(3));
+	} else if(phase == 2){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 35 == 0) bossPatternSpiral(i, 8, FIX32(4));
+	} else if(phase == 3){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 30 == 0) bossPatternDoubleRadial(i, 10, FIX32(4));
+	} else {
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 25 == 0) bossPatternWideSpray(i, 12, FIX32(4));
+	}
+}
+
+// Boss 5 (L30): 6 patterns, 125 HP
+static void updateBossFive(u8 i){
+	u8 phase = getBossPhase(i, 6);
+	if(phase == 0){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 50 == 0) bossPatternRadial(i, 16, FIX32(3));
+	} else if(phase == 1){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 40 == 0) bossPatternAimedFan(i, 10, 112, FIX32(3));
+	} else if(phase == 2){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 35 == 0) bossPatternSpiral(i, 10, FIX32(4));
+	} else if(phase == 3){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 30 == 0) bossPatternDoubleRadial(i, 10, FIX32(4));
+	} else if(phase == 4){
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 25 == 0) bossPatternWideSpray(i, 14, FIX32(5));
+	} else {
+		if(enemies[i].clock % 20 == 0) bossPatternRingBurst(i, 16, FIX32(5));
+	}
+}
+
 void updateBoss(u8 i){
 	if(!enemies[i].onScreen) return;
-	enemies[i].ints[1]++;
-	// alternate patterns every 180 frames
-	if(enemies[i].ints[1] >= 180){
-		enemies[i].ints[1] = 0;
-		enemies[i].ints[2] = 1 - enemies[i].ints[2];
-	}
-	if(enemies[i].ints[2] == 0){
-		// Pattern A: Radial burst - 12 bullets every 50 frames
-		if(enemies[i].ints[1] % 50 == 0){
-			sfxEnemyShotB();
-			s16 baseAngle = random() % 1024;
-			struct bulletSpawner spawner = {
-				.x = enemies[i].pos.x,
-				.y = enemies[i].pos.y,
-				.anim = 3 + (random() % 3),
-				.speed = FIX32(3),
-				.angle = baseAngle,
-			};
-			for(u8 j = 0; j < 12; j++){
-				spawnBullet(spawner, EMPTY);
-				spawner.angle += 85;
-			}
-		}
-	} else {
-		// Pattern B: Aimed wide fan - 8 bullets every 40 frames
-		if(enemies[i].ints[1] % 40 == 0){
-			sfxEnemyShotA();
-			fix32 dx = getWrappedDelta(player.pos.x, enemies[i].pos.x);
-			fix32 dy = player.pos.y - enemies[i].pos.y;
-			s16 aimAngle = honeAngle(
-				fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.x), fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.x) + fix32ToFix16(dx),
-				fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.y), fix32ToFix16(enemies[i].pos.y) + fix32ToFix16(dy));
-			struct bulletSpawner spawner = {
-				.x = enemies[i].pos.x,
-				.y = enemies[i].pos.y,
-				.anim = 9 + (random() % 3),
-				.speed = FIX32(3),
-				.angle = aimAngle - 112,
-			};
-			for(u8 j = 0; j < 8; j++){
-				spawnBullet(spawner, EMPTY);
-				spawner.angle += 32;
-			}
-		}
+	switch(enemies[i].ints[0]){
+		case 0: updateBossOne(i); break;
+		case 1: updateBossTwo(i); break;
+		case 2: updateBossThree(i); break;
+		case 3: updateBossFour(i); break;
+		case 4: updateBossFive(i); break;
 	}
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/src/global.h b/src/global.h
index f64d9a4..fed9c96 100644
--- a/src/global.h
+++ b/src/global.h
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@ u32 clock;
 
 #define CULL_LIMIT FIX32(240)
 
+// #define MUSIC_VOLUME 50
+#define MUSIC_VOLUME 0
+
 u32 score;
 #define SCORE_LENGTH 8
 
@@ -29,6 +32,7 @@ bool paused, isPausing;
 s16 enemyCount, bulletCount;
 u8 level;
 s16 pendingBossHp;
+s16 pendingBossNum;
 bool waitForRelease;
 bool levelClearing;
 u32 levelClearClock;
diff --git a/src/humans.h b/src/humans.h
index db3d57a..acb136f 100644
--- a/src/humans.h
+++ b/src/humans.h
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ void spawnHuman(u8 zone){
 		humans[i].active = FALSE;
 		return;
 	}
+	SPR_setVisibility(humans[i].image, HIDDEN);
 }
 
 static void updateHuman(u8 i){
@@ -116,9 +117,16 @@ static void updateHuman(u8 i){
 
 	s16 sx = getScreenX(humans[i].pos.x, player.camera);
 	s16 sy = fix32ToInt(humans[i].pos.y);
-	bool visible = (dx >= -CULL_LIMIT && dx <= CULL_LIMIT);
+	bool visible = (humans[i].state == HUMAN_COLLECTED) || (dx >= -CULL_LIMIT && dx <= CULL_LIMIT);
 	SPR_setVisibility(humans[i].image, visible ? VISIBLE : HIDDEN);
 	SPR_setPosition(humans[i].image, sx - HUMAN_OFF, sy - HUMAN_OFF);
+	// manually animate flash only when walking or falling
+	if(humans[i].state == HUMAN_WALKING || humans[i].state == HUMAN_FALLING)
+		SPR_setFrame(humans[i].image, (clock / 15) & 1);
+	else if(humans[i].state == HUMAN_COLLECTED)
+		SPR_setAnim(humans[i].image, 1);
+	else
+		SPR_setFrame(humans[i].image, 0);
 }
 
 void updateHumans(){
diff --git a/src/main.c b/src/main.c
index 9d62b8d..03efb46 100644
--- a/src/main.c
+++ b/src/main.c
@@ -43,6 +43,11 @@ void loadGame(){
 	loadPlayer();
 	loadChrome();
 	loadLevel(0);
+	XGM2_play(stageMusic);
+	XGM2_setFMVolume(MUSIC_VOLUME);
+	XGM2_setPSGVolume(MUSIC_VOLUME);
+	player.recoveringClock = 120;
+	killBullets = TRUE;
 	started = TRUE;
 }
 
@@ -59,25 +64,30 @@ static void updateGame(){
 			loadBackground();
 			loadChrome();
 			loadLevel(level + 1);
+			XGM2_play(stageMusic);
 			SPR_setVisibility(player.image, VISIBLE);
+			player.recoveringClock = 120;
+			killBullets = TRUE;
 		}
 		return;
 	}
 	if(!paused){
 		updatePlayer();
+		updateBackground();
 		if(clock % 2 == 0){
 			updateEnemies();
 			if(!gameOver && enemyCount == 0){
 				if(level >= LEVEL_COUNT - 1){
 					gameOver = TRUE;
+					XGM2_stop();
 				} else {
 					levelClearing = TRUE;
 					levelClearClock = 0;
+					XGM2_stop();
 				}
 			}
 			updateHumans();
 		} else {
-			updateBackground();
 			updateBullets();
 		}
 	}
diff --git a/src/player.h b/src/player.h
index e91efe1..511365e 100644
--- a/src/player.h
+++ b/src/player.h
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
-#define PLAYER_SPEED FIX32(5)
+#define PLAYER_SPEED FIX32(6)
 
-#define PLAYER_SPEED_FOCUS FIX32(3)
+#define PLAYER_SPEED_FOCUS FIX32(3.5)
 
-#define PLAYER_ACCEL PLAYER_SPEED >> 3
-#define PLAYER_ACCEL_FOCUS PLAYER_SPEED_FOCUS >> 3
+#define PLAYER_ACCEL PLAYER_SPEED >> 4
+#define PLAYER_ACCEL_FOCUS PLAYER_SPEED_FOCUS >> 4
 
 #define PLAYER_OFF 24
 #define PLAYER_BOUND_Y FIX32(PLAYER_OFF)
diff --git a/src/stage.h b/src/stage.h
index ce32a17..7ca21c9 100644
--- a/src/stage.h
+++ b/src/stage.h
@@ -1,55 +1,137 @@
+// =============================================================================
+// LEVEL DESIGN GUIDE
+// =============================================================================
+//
+// Each level is a single struct defining what spawns. The level ends when all
+// enemies are killed (enemyCount == 0). Humans are bonus -- they don't affect
+// level completion.
+//
+// --- STRUCT FIELDS ---
+//
+//   drones     Number of Drone enemies (type 1). Bulk pressure enemy.
+//              Speed 2, homes toward player every 30 frames.
+//              Fires 1 aimed bullet every 40 frames (only on L2+, i.e. index >= 1).
+//              Use dronesShoot=FALSE on L1 to introduce them without bullets.
+//              Good range: 6-16. Above 14 gets chaotic.
+//
+//   gunners    Number of Gunner enemies (type 2). Danmaku / bullet geometry.
+//              Speed 0.5 (slow drift), only shoots when on screen.
+//              Pattern controlled by gunnerPattern field (see below).
+//              Good range: 0-6. Even 2-3 gunners create significant bullet density.
+//
+//   hunters    Number of Hunter enemies (type 3). Fast chaser, no shooting.
+//              Speed 5 (matches player!). Homes every frame. Pure body pressure.
+//              Very dangerous -- 2-3 is oppressive, 6 is near-impossible.
+//              Good range: 0-6. Introduce after players learn movement.
+//
+//   builders   Number of Builder enemies (type 4). Human abductor.
+//              Speed 0.7 (drift), 1.4 (seeking/carrying). Grabs walking humans
+//              and flies upward. If it reaches the top, the human dies and a
+//              Gunner spawns in its place. Only 1 human can be carried at a time.
+//              Creates urgency -- player must choose between killing enemies
+//              and saving humans. Good range: 0-2.
+//
+//   bossHp     If > 0, spawns a Boss enemy (type 5) with this many HP.
+//              Boss number is auto-calculated from level index (lvl / 4).
+//              Set to 0 for non-boss levels. Boss speed is 1, bounces around.
+//              Boss has multiple attack phases based on remaining HP.
+//              Typical values: 25, 50, 75, 100, 125.
+//              Other enemies can coexist with the boss (adds pressure).
+//
+//   humans     Number of humans (koakuma) to spawn. Distributed across 4 zones
+//              (2 per zone if >= 4 humans, then 1 each for remainder).
+//              Walk along the ground, can be collected by player for 1000 pts
+//              (2000 if caught mid-fall after enemy drops them).
+//              Max 8 (HUMAN_COUNT). Usually just set to 8.
+//
+//   gunnerPattern   Controls what bullet pattern gunners use:
+//                   0 = Radial Burst: 8 bullets in a circle every 60 frames.
+//                       Rotating start angle. Steady, predictable pressure.
+//                   1 = Aimed Fan: 5 bullets aimed at player, spread +-64,
+//                       every 45 frames. More targeted/aggressive.
+//                   2 = Mix: each gunner randomly picks 0 or 1 at spawn.
+//                       Creates varied, less predictable bullet fields.
+//
+//   dronesShoot  TRUE = drones fire aimed bullets (normal behavior on L2+).
+//               FALSE = drones still home toward player but never shoot.
+//               Only meaningful for the very first level as a gentle intro.
+//               (Drone shooting is also gated by level >= 1 in code, so
+//               L1 drones never shoot regardless of this flag.)
+//
+// --- LIMITS ---
+//
+//   Total enemies: 24 slots (ENEMY_COUNT). drones+gunners+hunters+builders+boss
+//   must not exceed 24. If it does, excess enemies silently fail to spawn.
+//
+//   Total humans: 8 slots (HUMAN_COUNT).
+//
+//   Bullet slots: 70. Heavy gunner/boss levels can fill this up. Player bullets
+//   get priority and evict enemy bullets when full.
+//
+// --- SPAWNING ---
+//
+//   Enemies are distributed across 4 zones (each 512px of the 2048px world).
+//   Enemy i spawns in zone (i % 4). They never spawn within 240px of the player
+//   and maintain 64px minimum spacing from each other.
+//
+//   Boss always spawns in zone 1.
+//
+// --- DESIGN TIPS ---
+//
+//   - Drone-heavy levels (12-16) create constant movement pressure
+//   - Gunner-heavy levels (4-6) create bullet reading / dodging challenges
+//   - Hunter levels force the player to keep moving (anti-camping)
+//   - Builder levels force tough choices: kill builders or save humans?
+//   - Combining hunters + gunners is very hard (dodge bullets while fleeing)
+//   - Boss levels with escort enemies (drones/gunners alongside boss) are
+//     harder than solo boss fights
+//   - A "farm" level (lots of drones, no gunners) gives score-building breathers
+//   - gunnerPattern 0 (radial) is easier to dodge than 1 (aimed fan)
+//
+// =============================================================================
+
 struct LevelDef {
 	u8 drones, gunners, hunters, builders;
 	u8 bossHp;
 	u8 humans;
-	u8 gunnerPattern; // 0=radial, 1=aimed fan, 2=mix
+	u8 gunnerPattern;
 	bool dronesShoot;
 };
 
-//                          dr  gn  hn  bl  boss hum  pat  shoot
-const struct LevelDef levels[30] = {
-	// Phase 1: "Immediate danger" (L1-L6)
+//                dr  gn  hn  bl  boss hum  pat  shoot
+const struct LevelDef levels[20] = {
+	// Phase 1: "Immediate danger" (L1-L4)
 	{  8,  1,  0,  0,   0,  8,  0,  FALSE }, // L1
 	{ 10,  2,  0,  0,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L2
-	{ 12,  2,  0,  0,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L3
-	{ 10,  3,  0,  0,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L4
-	{ 14,  3,  0,  0,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L5
-	{  8,  0,  0,  0,   8,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L6  BOSS
+	{ 12,  3,  0,  0,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L3
+	{  8,  0,  0,  0,  25,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L4  BOSS 1
 
-	// Phase 2: "You can't save everything" (L7-L12)
-	{ 10,  0,  0,  1,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L7
-	{ 10,  2,  0,  1,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L8
-	{ 12,  0,  0,  2,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L9
-	{ 14,  3,  0,  1,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L10 WALL
-	{ 10,  2,  0,  2,   0,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L11
-	{  8,  0,  0,  1,  12,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L12 BOSS
+	// Phase 2: "You can't save everything" (L5-L8)
+	{ 10,  2,  0,  1,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L5
+	{ 14,  3,  0,  1,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L6
+	{ 10,  2,  0,  2,   0,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L7
+	{  8,  0,  0,  1,  50,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L8  BOSS 2
 
-	// Phase 3: "Geometry matters" (L13-L18)
-	{  8,  0,  4,  0,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L13
-	{  8,  3,  2,  0,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L14
-	{ 16,  0,  0,  0,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L15 FARM
-	{ 10,  2,  4,  0,   0,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L16
-	{ 12,  3,  3,  0,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L17
-	{  0,  2,  2,  0,  15,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L18 BOSS
+	// Phase 3: "Geometry matters" (L9-L12)
+	{  8,  3,  4,  0,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L9
+	{ 10,  2,  4,  0,   0,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L10
+	{ 12,  3,  3,  0,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L11
+	{  0,  2,  2,  0,  75,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L12 BOSS 3
 
-	// Phase 4: "Suffocation" (L19-L24)
-	{ 12,  4,  0,  0,   0,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L19
-	{ 14,  4,  0,  2,   0,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L20 WALL
-	{ 10,  0,  6,  0,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L21
-	{ 12,  4,  2,  0,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L22
-	{ 14,  4,  0,  2,   0,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L23
-	{  0,  3,  0,  1,  20,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L24 BOSS
+	// Phase 4: "Suffocation" (L13-L16)
+	{ 14,  4,  0,  2,   0,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L13
+	{ 10,  0,  6,  0,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L14
+	{ 12,  4,  2,  0,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L15
+	{  0,  3,  0,  1, 100,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L16 BOSS 4
 
-	// Phase 5: "Arcade cruelty" (L25-L30)
-	{ 16,  0,  4,  0,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L25
-	{ 12,  6,  0,  0,   0,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L26
-	{ 14,  2,  4,  0,   0,  8,  1,  TRUE  }, // L27
-	{ 16,  4,  0,  2,   0,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L28
-	{  6,  2,  2,  1,  10,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L29 MINI-BOSS
-	{  4,  2,  2,  1,  30,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L30 FINAL
+	// Phase 5: "Arcade cruelty" (L17-L20)
+	{ 16,  0,  4,  0,   0,  8,  0,  TRUE  }, // L17
+	{ 14,  4,  4,  2,   0,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L18
+	{  6,  2,  2,  1,  50,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L19 MINI-BOSS
+	{  4,  2,  2,  1, 125,  8,  2,  TRUE  }, // L20 BOSS 5 FINAL
 };
 
-#define LEVEL_COUNT 30
+#define LEVEL_COUNT 20
 
 static void distributeEnemies(u8 type, u8 count){
 	for(u8 i = 0; i < count; i++){
@@ -80,6 +162,9 @@ void loadLevel(u8 lvl){
 
 	if(def->bossHp > 0){
 		pendingBossHp = def->bossHp;
+		pendingBossNum = lvl / 4; // L3=0, L7=1, L11=2, L15=3, L18+=4
+		if(pendingBossNum > 4) pendingBossNum = 4;
+		if(lvl == 18) pendingBossNum = 1; // L19 mini-boss reuses boss 2
 		spawnEnemy(ENEMY_TYPE_BOSS, 1);
 	}