Whoa! Thank you for taking your time to play the Ember Souls and for the very kind words!
Currently, yes, there is no end goal in itself, as this is a GBJAM 12 entry, the update is temporarily blocked to improve the game.
I decided to down scope, due to the time constraint, but as soon as the rating ends, I will update into a state of complete game with proper levels, new mechanics (as it is intended to be metroidvania? souls-like), progression system, enemy design, combat design, and balance, that I left out, leaving the status of a tech demo.
I'm glad you appreciated the ominous aesthetics, and enjoyed devouring the souls of the tiny little one-eyed creatures, satisfying your hunger!
About the level boundaries, that is just left out because of the lack of level design, but I also enjoy observing the tiny little creature slowly falling off the cliff, soothing experience.
About the Cormac McCarthy, if you are interested, I will recommend the Blood Meridian, definitely you will get the doom atmosphere there.
Thank you for pointing out the state of the game, sorry for offering an incomplete game, but it will be updated to a proper souls-like at least!
Unfortunately for now, you just have to wait for the inexorable hunger to devour your own existence.