If you try the easy mode I think it's very well balanced, and the fake signal machanic there still feels challenging, but just enough to keep it fun, because it punishes hasty reaction, but leaves fair enough room to react for correct signal after.
What we should've done is to make an easy mode "normal" an set by default, and label "normal" one as hardcore. It wouldn't fix the issue with the sudden difficulty spike at the last boss, but at least player would have the right expectations and wouldn't get so surprised at the last level.
I'll talk with our programmers and mentioned about the possible bug you encountered.
Thanks again for a very detailed and informative comments! I definitely see that you are coming with good intentions and wish the best for the game!
Finally got the time to play on easy mode. I would say this is vastly more fair and in-line with the difficulty of the rest of normal mode. What I would have expected it to be like. I would make the game boot in easy (as the new normal) by default, yes. I think making normal into "hard" will absolutely temper the expectations of players that is a great idea! Right now the default difficulty feels like an EX boss. Haha!
I am happy to provide detailed feedback. I study game design and theory, and what's the point of studying if I don't share the knowledge? This game is one of the top ones in the jam I am sure of it. Not trying to critique to be mean, just want to share the understanding I have. I wish thee the greatest of luck in the jam! ( I am still pleased to play a mute character. They may talk a little in the end that I didn't see before, but appreciation is still there! )