I like it. I'm also being just demolished by that stupid rat, which is hard to get close enough to attack and which keeps jumping on top of me. (I can't tell if I'm missing something or just need to get better.)
You don't need any specific powerup to beat him, but some optional upgrades can definitely help! The Echo Parry upgrade from the shop in the central area can do a lot of damage to him if you use it to dash away from his grounded attack and then jump over him. Good luck!
