Thank you so much for your feedback!
I understand what might have caused some confusion, and I’ll work on improving the level design and exploration flow—while keeping the NES/Metroidvania spirit intact.
Thanks again for taking the time to play!
Ohhhhh - I just saw the YouTube video on the page. Yeah, I did the same thing as the guy in the video, tried to go up directly in front of the door. Only difference is that I never tried going up one of the sides haha.
It makes sense now that I know, but at the time that dark spot looked like it was a ramp or pathway up to the porch, not a block that you had to walk around.