Like Asteroids on crack.
I'm thoughroughly impressed by this game. And unlike you, I grew up hating 'Asteroids' and games like it. Obviously, you did something different and I absolutely love it. I suppose part of it is the upgrades, as I'm a defense game junkie, but there's something else I can't put my finger on.
The controls require swift reflexes and I found (and still find) myself dying more than I'd like because of it, but I'd hardly consider it a downside; learning to fly the ship like a "pro" is at least 90% of mastering the game.
It's frustrating at first, but if you like a good challenge and you have a bit of time to kill, I'd suggest giving this game a try. Can't see how it could dissapoint unless you've got a "ferret on meth" attention span.
Great work!