360-degree space shooter

[linux_man007]

Hi, I am currently working on a space shooter that would hopefully be really awesome.
The goal of the game is slightly like Asteroids, except your goal is to destroy all the enemies in the level. One big difference is that a collision doesn't instantly destroy your ship. Also, the level size will be absolutely HUGE(so you may roam around, looking for items)!

The items would allow for upgrades to your ship's parts, such as beams, torpedoes, shields, and armor, as well as being able to repair your ship's parts while in flight.

The game will be somewhat RPG-like, since it will use internal stats.

The ship and base actors will use several common variables:

hull (ship or base's health)
forward_shield (shield quadrant in front of ship, or on north side of base)
aft_shield (shield quadrant behind ship, or on south side of base)
port_shield (shield quadrant to the left of ship, or on west side of base)
starboard_shield (shield quadrant to the right of ship, or on east side of base)
weapon_energy (power for directed energy weapons, such as disruptors)
aux_power (auxiliary, or secondary power, which may be transferred to weapons or shields)
torpedo_count (number of torpedoes that ship or base has in stock)
. . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . .

If anyone has any other ideas for me you may e-mail me at robeckb@yahoo.com.