I had fun with this game, but sadly didn't get far. (Would love to try again if you tell me how!) I get stuck because the fire staff when I get to it seems to be surrounded by blockades I can't get through, and when I come back into the room it is gone. I figured I'd need that to light the torches outside of the gate next door but I haven't ever been able to reach it, and there seems to be nowhere left to go without the improved sword. I don't know where to find the boss to fight to get it.
The art is fun and the music throughout is really nice, great entry! And it seems other people haven't gotten stuck like I have :P