@Infern0o: Progress bar? Perhaps, if i can figure out how. Also, i have a decent idea for a balanced shield: It takes one hit (or maybe a few more with higher levels) and then disappears for a while. It can save you from a few shots of varying power (depending on shield level), but a barrage of fire will easily break through it.

@cocacobra: Game Maker 8. There's a free edition and a pay version. The latter costs 25 USD.

Also, super mega early shop preview which lacks every functionality:



It'll look better once i get all the icons and buttons and such in there. Compare to this design sketch:



So yeah, saving and loading will be an option.