This was a fun game!
I liked the openness of the zone, allowing you to move around freely which is very unique in a 2D beat em up. However I felt that for that openness there's got to be a reason to move around, which if there's not collectables (such as in the chests) you aren't really encouraged to move since enemies will come to you.
The enemy designs are varied and have different attacks which I thought was really fun!
I do wish that the text for the introduction and game over screens were more easily visible on the screen. I like the concept of what you had but for instance when I first booted the game it was hard to see the controls and then they went away. I also wish there was a always ticking time in the corner or something because until I died I didn't know there was an end state or what I was trying to get to!
The combat felt fluid and engaging and it was fun trying to get as many enemies on me without getting hit, then mass attacking!
Overall great game, I just had some overall QoL improvements that could make the game more engaging! Great job!