the skadoosh combo(s a a) has the biggest reach what enables you to attack enemies who are waiting for you to get close without getting hurt. so i disagree to briare's comment furthermore you don't need vitality at all its quite easy to avoid getting hit. and use your shield when some beavers trow bombs at you.
have you played rpg shooter starwish? u fly with your spaceship trough space and destroy enemy ships. BUT in that game is a (great) storyline. your game still misses some rpg elements. i like the concept of only using 1 button to play the game but you need as game a reason to keep playing for hours. i look forward to your new version of the game.