cheating-is-good

Best answer as chosen by Asker / Ratings
Here is a small secret that I use every time I play Mercenary. Right at the start of the level, when the timer first goes off, I run around the level, and I collect all the hourglasses. This means that I have the maximum time limit that I can have. Now, you see, what this does, is cut out the need for you to run around frantically looking for an hourglass later on. I used this tactic so I can focus only on killing the Ganados and other creatures that I encounter. I guarantee you that this will work better than if you start killing first. Also, if you use my strategy, all the Ganados will be a ways behind you, so you can just turn around and start killing. You will make a chain very quickly, and start racking up points like there is no tomorrow. This what I did in order to get the Handcannon, and Five stars on every level. Hope this helps.