I like it a lot! It's really an original concept and given enough polishing, I'm sure you can get something really good out of it! The downside may be the lack of different environments or enemy types (even though this may be entirely subjective of course). As some already stated, getting extra ways to switch direction would be a real improvement (maybe traps shooting arrows? IDK, something like the enemies that would allow the player to switch directions without having to walk a long distance). It seems well-balanced though (well, it's easy but at least it's not frustrating).
'wish you luck!
-Loupyboy