Thanks so much for trying it out, we are definitely adding a gamepad option post-jam!
Right above the town the levels do become vertical! But overall, we did design the movement to be a challenge, so you have to manage momentum and stuff. Most people I've seen play it, like yourself, seem to wish it was more dynamic/action platformer... so, I think we didn't get it just right this time.
Btw, there is a secret way to enable "FAST HOOK", which shoots faster and has zero recharge midair ;) It's tricky to enable atm, you have to reach a secret level. We are going to add just a cheatcode for it post-jam.