Cherries are small, red fruits found throughout each stage. Collecting five Cherries will cause a Starman to appear, granting temporary invincibility. Always prioritize collecting Cherries, as the Starman is a powerful defensive and offensive tool. Coins are also found in stages, often by pulling them from the ground or in Sub-Space. Coins are primarily used for the slot machine bonus game at the end of each world, where you can gamble them for extra lives. While not directly impacting gameplay during a stage, accumulating coins can be crucial for building up your life count, especially if you're struggling with later worlds. Collect both whenever possible.
