buf+="-------------------------------------------\n";   
buf+="* WARNING * WARNING * WARNING * WARNING *\n";
buf+="THIS IS A PROTOTYPE IN PROGRESS.\n";
buf+="FEATURES ARE MISSING AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE.\n"   
buf+="-------------------------------------------\n";

Strategy advice: Be aggressive about collecting XP drops in the first couple minutes. Don't just back away without picking things up! Fill most of your weapon slots preferentially before choosing other upgrades.