Similar to 2-Player Tank Games where you pause to attack however, instead of shooting a projectile, you are the projectile. It is an interesting mechanic, especially since the part where you attack is not your entire body.
However, this can sometimes result in an issue where when the player spins after shooting forwards, it can attack the enemy, and so can the enemy! So it can result in uninteresting games.
I also would prefer that if I release, I would still move forwards, but to a smaller extent. This allows for more dynamic because there's now a chance to dodge instead of being a static victim to the enemy.
But I do like the visuals and the concept.