So far the game is coming along pretty well. I started it on Friday, February 2, 2018 and have some basic functionality working thanks to tutorials by iWriteTheCode on YouTube.
The character moves fully animated, can open chests, pick up items and store them in inventory. Mouse pointer displays item name on map and inventory screen. Animation stops when "Idle".
Movement: W, A, S, D or Arrow keys.
Inventory: E key.
Open Chests: SPACE.