I finally beat AAA on Nova Defender (blasted my old high score out of the water with a 1-million-plus score)! It's the only game I haven't gotten the daily prize on, but I'm still on my way for gold. Here's hoping the last couple of games aren't too hard.
If anyone's still struggling on Nova Defender,
here's another video with a style I call "kamikaze" (yes, I know I posted it above, but it bears repeating, with a few more tips). They use it on every level that has a pink gem appear (levels 2, 3, 5, 6, etc.). Basically, you try to let a lot of guys appear, and take advantage of the fact that the mega-gun's shield will turn bullets into gems (in addition to the novas).
For level 2, I find it easier to start herding the novas towards the beginning of the level, and then clean up the rest after I've gotten the pink gem. (I also find it's less risky to try to herd them into one quadrant -- preferably the upper left or upper right, so that you can reach the pink gem without getting hit. I also use my shield towards the end of level 2, if I've gotten hit twice, just to make sure I get 3 plays on level 3.)
I then purposely die towards the end of three twice before beating it, making sure I have the triple shooter, double shot, cannon booster, and a bomb for level 4. Theoretically, you could beat AAA by the end of 3, but I've never managed (closest I've gotten was ~650k with only a little time on level 4).
For level 4, stick to the bottom and sides, sweeping around the guy in the center, and just try to shoot the novas as fast as possible, without getting hit. Use the bomb when they start to overwhelm you, and use the shield to mop them up quickly, too. If you can get past 4, 5 and 6 are no worse than 3, really -- I actually didn't worry much about gems at all on 4, and I passed 5 with just the triple shooter, double shot, and cannon booster.
ETA: And the final game is Spinacles. With the exception of Nova Defender, I managed to beat AAA (including all Double Dares and team challenges) on game day. Gold trophy for me, woot! So glad I didn't throw in the towel on Nova Defender! I wonder if they'll continue the tradition of giving out NC along with the prizes... I'm considering using my last bit to buy one of the Lulu tickets.