It's a really cool game that's got a lot going for it but it's ultimately let down by the confusing controls. I had to use a joystick-to-keyboard rebinding tool to at least somewhat mitigate this problem but it's a bit of a hit or miss.
If the developer hasn't given up on this project at all, my suggestions for improvement would be:
- Add key rebinding functionality - most important part!
- Rework the bubbles part - I spend a good 5-10 minutes popping those balloons from every angle and got a dash from it only once. It was what eventually blocked me from progressing further into the game.
- Nerf the goblin enemy - these sword throws are too strong, especially for something so early in the game.
- Make enemies occasionally drop health - right now there is no incentive to kill anything.
- Increase the invincibility frames after taking a hit by a small margin AND add such frames during a dodge.
- Fix saving functionality, right now if you exit the game, that's it, your progress is gone.
- Add a map that could be shown at any time with a press of a button, not just the one that is statically placed in the middle of the room. Even a simplistic map (like the one we already have) is better than no map while you're exploring the world.
I'm really digging the aesthetics of the game, the asset pack you've chosen is fantastic and the music fits well. Map design is great and exploration is satisfying so if the above issues were to be addressed properly, I'd love to give it another shot.