Thank you for your kind words! The most important items to find are permanent upgrades. The Whip-weapon is one of those. I can be used to stun enemies, but you will also be able to swing at certain points. Other upgrades might include an item allowing you to dive or a way of attacking/interacting from a distance.
The colors are really due to BGB - the emulator is trying to closely emulate that typical, slightly washed-out look of Game Boy Color Games. And many thanks from our programmer for your compliment!