Looks like it was an error on my side with the PS5 controller I was using-- so I've solved it (d-pad was malfunctioning and snapping to the "Continue Game" selection)! Sorry to confuse you ðŸ˜
Edit: I just finished the demo-- I thought it was great! Since the game included a wheel skeleton, of course I'm obligated to rate it highly; but beyond that, the gameplay is brisk and charming, especially for such an early development demo. The enemies also kept me on my toes-- my favorite was the teleporting blue guy who shoots danmaku patterns. If I had any point of feedback, since I was playing on keyboard, I found myself naturally wanting to press the 1, 2, and 3 keys to switch weapons/tools instead of the 'O' key. Also, I couldn't figure out where to spend my Will to Live-- if there was such a place (or maybe they're for something else and I'm too soulsbrained). Best of luck in future development!