You should consider checking out the game "Space, Pirates, And Zombies" (aka SPAZ), which is a more recent iteration on the top-down space shooter. Plus, it's also made by a two-man team.
I played SPAZ a bit shortly after it came out. But then I found myself having to grind only a few hours in to make progress, and I just don't have time for that. Have I missed the point?
