Usually you need years to learn an engine, I just don't wanted to learn one and then being dissatisfied in using it.
Yeah, I don't put pressure on myself with the game. It will take as long as it has to.
Genre, eh it's complicated. Closest would be a metroidvania I guess but it's also not fitting right into that.
I do love "minimalistic", well let's say smaller resolution games. Celeste. boy, did I love it. Also Dandara is great and Loop Hero.