Very enjoyable. The timing on the artifacts was heavily dependent on the tips to figure out.
I would definitely love to see this idea expanded with different options. earlier levels run requiring the routes more than the artifacts. I think hidden routes and secret doors would be a fun addition.
I can understand the hesitance to push into classes, as classes were also hard and soft counters in the original game, and so it'd be difficult to adapt that mechanic. But if your class was instead changed to what gear you bring, like the grappling hooks and ranged weapons, sort of thing, I could definitely see that working better. subclasses would work
Right. That's why I suggested a gear system. In addition to transformation you could pick up tools that solve some problems where transformations won't.
And although you're leaning away from the RPG mechanics, it still is an RPG setting. So I think at some level building your character in The tavern or adventures guild, would help immersion