Not perfect yet, but it's better than what we had, so until I get exactly what I want, update 1.02 brings an all new colored smoke trail when you use thrust. This is on top of the movement trail we had before which is simply based on ship speed, so now you can see both the new smoke and the previous speed tracks.
Also added was a new invulnerability look when your ship first spawns either at the start of a level or after you die and re-spawn a new ship.
More updates to come, including enemies combining forces to make an all new powerful boss... {insert dramatic drum roll...}