This varies depending on the game, but typically you’ll use a joystick or directional pad to move and buttons to fire your weapon. Some games might have additional buttons for special attacks or power-ups.

The main goal is usually to survive for as long as possible and defeat all the enemies on each stage. Some games might have specific objectives like rescuing hostages or destroying a mothership.

Destroying enemies and collecting power-ups are the main ways to earn points. Higher scores often lead to extra lives or a higher position on the leaderboard.

This depends on the game. You might lose a life, your health bar might decrease, or you might take temporary damage.

Classic arcade games often gave you a limited number of lives. Modern games might offer a continues system or infinite lives but with a score penalty for dying.

There’s a wide variety! Enemies can come in different shapes, sizes, and movement patterns. Some might fire projectiles, others might ram into you, and some might have special abilities.

Boss battles usually require memorizing attack patterns and strategically using your weapons and power-ups. Look for weak points on the boss and dodge their attacks to survive.

You’ll usually progress to the next stage, earn a large point bonus, and might gain a new weapon or power-up.

Power-ups can vary widely, but common ones include increased firepower, shields, invincibility, or temporary speed boosts.

sually by simply flying over them or collecting them. The power-up effect will activate automatically.

Some games might have extra lives, health pickups, or score multipliers you can collect.

This is a crucial skill in most alien shooters. Learn enemy attack patterns and maneuver your ship accordingly.

Constantly move around the screen to make yourself a harder target.

Save them for tough enemy waves or boss battles.

Sometimes power-ups or hidden items might be tucked away in corners.

Find what works best for you and your playstyle.

Some retro arcades might still have them, or you can find emulators or classic game collections for various platforms.