Whoah! Good to see you didn't give up this one, it's coming along pretty nicely! I like the new HUD, these Japanese marks make it feel even more oldschool! You could utilize them, though -- maybe make some power-ups, four types of them, and if the player gathers them all you're rewarded with an 1UP. The marks (e.g. glowing) would then signalize how many you have right now.