Thank you! I am very glad you liked the gameplay and how it is woven together with the plot! I tried to do it justice since I also enjoy when things "make sense" in other games just like you described.
Thanks for explaining in detail the problem with the block cooldown balance, I feel like I am finally seeing a fresh perspective! If I have time to push updates in the future the first thing on the list is blocks balancing and the shop upgrades. Speeding up boss cutscenes is something I did not think about but definitely should have!
As it comes to the art, there is actually no animations anywhere in the game lmao. They are all single frames that I just move around. Glad it didn't take away from the experience for you too much but if I had Ame's watch I would definitely go back to before the jam and ask around for an actual artist to help me out. Cool animations (and prettier art in general) is always a positive when it comes to enjoying a game. So no need to get existential :D
The music is by Jens Vide! They upload a lot of free to use sounds here on itch. Was waiting for an opportunity to use some of their shin megami tensei inspired music. And here felt like it was fitting for the atmosphere :D