thanks for the clarification! settings menu is cool but with or without it i think it's best for your game to start up with decent volume if possible, i'd use connor youtube videos playing from my browser as a frame of reference for what standard volume should sound like.
for dummies like myself it'd definitely help to make those pal mechanics clearer, maybe the first pal that finds a rock has the text prompt of "a pal is calling for your attention" or something. sorry for the negative feedback, i hope it doesn't demotivate you from trying more jams and improving these skills.