Yeah it was the number 1 inspiration to be honest ^-^
and yeah your completely right on this problem! For the solution however, with more time on this project, I think about allowing the player to teleport between rooms (maybe like enter the Gungeon with their system of teleport pads we can found on some rooms and which permit to teleport to any room cleared. In our case, maybe we can just put those teleport pads on the dead ends room of the dungeon, to force the player to continue a serie of room with the challenge it involves to be able to teleport back on the rest of the dungeon. Or choose to not go to far on one serie to be able to go back without dying. This idea combined with maybe somes safe room where time don't flow, and we could have some pretty good mecanics?
I would be glad to have your opinion on this proposition ^^
Anyway Thanks for your comment and glad the character are valued!