THIS. WAS. AWESOME.
It wasn't very long sadly and lacked an ending, but its a game jam so that's excusable.
The movement feels great. The combat feels great. And the style is amazing (but you already knew that).
What makes this one so good in my opinion is that I actually had to think as to where to go next. The map is memorable and well designed and at the end I knew exactly where I was. This is what differentiates a good metroidvania from a great one. And you nailed it.
I also really enjoy the little optional heart pieces, with my favorite one being the one where you have to figure out that you can use the momentum gained from the zip lines for a big jump.
The boss was very good designed as well. I just think it had a bit too much health.
But I also have a few nitpicks:
- There are A LOT of enemies. I think you could reduce that number a bit to match the peaceful atmosphere and make the early parts a little less intense.
- I wish just pressing a direction on the weapon wheel would already quip the weapon instead of having to confirm with X.
- The hitbox of the grapple hook is a bit too tight in my opinion. It works great if you hit a bit over the pin because of gravity but if you are under it it doesn't connect as easily.
This is my favorite game so far. Well done.