Yeah, the theme was hard. While playing I didn't think of the hit knockback as a theme representation but now you're talking about it you're right, a lot of tiny themes implementation here and there works too!
Viewing post in Into The Core jam comments
Yes I tried to have some lower health platforms in the levels where I wanted it to matter more, but it's true I should have leaned into it a lot more I think. There was also a decision in the last like 3ish hours of development where we changed it from 4 energy/uranium capsules per drill to 3 and I think that's part of why the platforms have less impact (you spend less time in the levels).
Also, I wanted the player to actually be able to run around and not just be using the jetpack all the time, otherwise, whats the point of having the platforms at all. It was tough to balance for sure and if I had more time it would have been a lot more refined I think. Thanks for your thoughts!