Difficulty level of Cannon Spike?

[Gamerforlife]

If you were to compare it to something like The Red Star for example, is it harder, easier or about the same? I quite enjoy The Red Star and would like something similar. Having played through most of EX mode, used all three characters(maxed out Makita) and done all the arenas I'm starting to get Red Star burnout. I want to play something challenging though. Not necessarily infuriating, but challenging