I love this game! I've been experimenting with Python scripting (using the evdev package) and Wine to make it playable with mouse. In turn, I used that new capability to mod the mouse and use it as a spinner controller, in the style of Tempest or Gyruss. It's was not perfect, but it was still a fun way to play.
I'm conscious it breaks the original intent to some degree, but with enough tweaking, it gave more control than keys and buttons.