First of all, the intro graphics and music are gorgeous. And this brings us some expectation for the rest of the game. Then we play with tiny characters in pixelart. There are cute, but it contrasts too much with the promises(in my opinion). You have talented artists: make big sprites. Your game was meant for. You could have done something looking like "street of rage" view, for example.
I understood how to beat guards, but not immediately that I must continue to the right.
Otherwise combat system is good, and could be even better with some combo chaining that make us feel strong. Keep it up.