Anyone who gave up during battle is really missing out. This game is brilliant and an amazing entry. I loved every second of it. The use of RTP was spectacular, and really succeeded. Sure, writing was a little . . . derivative, but there was much space for originality and for flashes of personality in the characters to come through. Combat balance was decent, although maybe a bit easy. 2-1-3 enter to win is basically right.
I agree with commenters who suggested labels. No one can memorize all those attacks in this short game. Perhaps a little more hand holding in the tutorial would give people the gist of combat. (Press 2-1-3 enter now! He's attacking! Raise shields with 2-3-1 enter!)
All in all, I loved this game and it is exactly the creative use of RTP that is in the spirit of this Jam.