Hey Sharky, I just updated the game and modified the level load code. Its likely this still wont work so I have a backup in place. On the menu screen click on the Hounds of Valor title to load with a more direct method. the game will freeze for a minute but will more likely load for you. Try both methods and let me know if this works for you, it would help greatly to root out why your machine and likely others are failing to finish the load.
Great, did you have to do the work around or did you just press the play button?
Also the comments are not the best place to report bugs, use the form I created so I can log things better.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzmdsjZOfP0zvc1uPmnxgWi21784nhccQ2hTja...
Also that chest across the river is a secret, you need to double jump+air dash to reach it.