#scoring

Keeping a boss or enemy alive to squeeze out maximum points.

Stringing kills or pickups together to keep a score multiplier alive.

Filler enemies that swarm in bulk and die the second you look at them.

Skimming bullets as close as possible without getting hit, for score.

Maxing the score counter so it physically can't display any higher.

Firing from right up against an enemy to concentrate maximum damage.

Clearing a stage, boss or whole game without losing a single life.

An extra life — earned by hitting a score threshold or clearing a task.

Killing an enemy wipes its on-screen bullets — often turning them into points.