I like the idea of this one. Pretty good start. I really with I could use a controller since I'm not good at all playing a platformer on a keyboard.
I like the metroidvania aspect where you can re-explore areas once you get an upgrade and I think you captured the basics here. I liked the secret areas as well.
I did run into a couple games where bats "soft-locked" the game. first time I was under one of the 1-block high 'doors' and had a bat on either side blocking me from moving. They weren't damaging me so I couldn't respawn. Second time a bat landed on my head at a bonfire and I couldn't move left or right or jump.
Looking forward to playing more of your stuff (or this game if you decided to expand on it).