I don't think catching the batteries are worth it, the hesitation sometimes causes me tog et splattered. I think the best (although) slower strategy is to just jump on everything, that makes the game too easy imo.
Maybe make it so that the batteries refills a stamina meter or something, not catching enough will cause the drill to catch up to you. If you go with this idea then you could also add a new projectile (some goo thing?) that is faster than the other projectiles. It will not kill you, but it will drain your stanima, this would make the game feel less monotonous I think.
I liked the retro sound and visuals, and I really liked the blood splatter freeze frame on game over.