Oh, sorry to miscommunicate- I am ideally going to make it look like the picture I sent. The picture is just what I'm working towards/concept art. I can't change it in the scope of the game jam. But the next version surely will look like that!
I'm glad you think the combo multiplier is a good idea. I figured it is a good way to balance without needing to add delays that I've always found annoying in games.
Thanks again for the feedback!