Great job. Consider enhancing it further. Lots of cool directions you can go while keeping it feeling like River Raid.
Also, preload / cache your 3D models so the client doesn't hiccup when they are loaded for the first time.
Thank you. I'm thinking of possible enhancements that wouldn't require rewriting the game from scratch.
I think the hiccup is caused by compilation of particle materials from the explosions, not the models. I'm showing them to the camera and activating them when the game starts, but I must be doing something wrong. Still looking for a solution.