Would’ve been in the arcades atrrting in the late 1970s to possibly as late as 1980. Very simple geometric patterns. Space-based shoot-em-up. You started out as a small triangular or arrow-shaped ship against enemy ships coming in from various sides of the screen. After each level you got the chance to dock with one of three modules to increase your firepower for the next round. After the game a cyclops alien would pop up full-screen and mock your gaming ability with lines like “you were an adequate opponent” or “an amusing opponent.”
I have no idea, but if you go to the Killer List of Videogames you might get lucky. It’s pretty comprehensive.
EDIT: I was a bit premature. The game you’re thinking of is called Space Fury.
I had that game for the Coleco, not to be confused with Space Panic, which was kind of a knockoff of Lode Runner.
Is there no one here to challenge me?
I, ahem, downloaded the ROM and played the game shortly after posting my initial response, and I can safely say that the cycloptic dude is really the only attraction. The game itself is clunky, even for the time period it was made. The idea is sound, but the execution leaves much to be desired. I think that among my collection of old games this one has very little replay value. I’ll take Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Mr. Do! over Space Fury anytime, and that’s not even to mention my favorite old game of all time, Ikari Warriors.
Could it be Asteroids?
It sounds a little like the last starfighter, but I think that was a movie. 
Dude, you think I’m not gonna remember the name “Asteroids”? I’m borderline insulted…
No, it’s Space Fury. I used to love that game. On that and Tempest, I was like a god. The Madison Historical Society is holding a fundraiser with classic console games. I know Tempest is there; I’m hoping they get Space Fury too.