To get the score badge, put your first 3-4 upgrades into score. But don't put any into raising pixel amounts, because you want to get as many points as you can before the game difficulty ramps up.
For the 12th stage I had to rely on the helper angel, then I just stuck my main in the back and used rage until I won. It was just to risky to use him in battle.
I chose the golem cursed because of its high resistances and +2 armor right of the bat. Since the game is easier the first 2-3 levels, the negative stat bonuses of being cursed can be neutralized and all you need to focus on is damage, defense, and a way to heal or shield.
 "Dream World"){kind=icon}
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 "Realm Grinder"){kind=icon}
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 "SCGMD4"){kind=icon}
 "Kana Warrior / かなウォリアー"){kind=icon}
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 "Excit"){kind=icon}
 "Epic War 2"){kind=icon}
 "Pixel Purge"){kind=icon}
 "Sierra 7"){kind=icon}
 "Zombies Took My Daughter!"){kind=icon}
 "Epic War 5"){kind=icon}
 "Sydney Shark"){kind=icon}
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 "Warfare: 1917"){kind=icon}
 "The Soul Driver"){kind=icon}