That's some totally fair criticism and I 100% agree with everything!
You're totally right about the theme not being very well attached. I unfortunately have a bad habit of not tying in the theme very well. I'll try for my next jam my very best to base the game around the theme instead of vice versa, no matter the quality!
The controls definitely were I suppose a bit lacking. I wasn't really going for much in that department, but there still could be some improvements nonetheless.
I definitely tried to go for a MacLeod track that isn't often heard just so the player doesn't really think twice about it too much. But you're right in the sense that it doesn't match the tier of quality and effort that a track made specifically for a jam game holds.
I'm glad to hear you liked the 2.5D look! I wouldn't say it's particularly easier to animate in 2D, but I am much better at it than 3D animation. The dropping down effect took an entire day, I suppose that wasn't a particularly good use of time, but I'm super glad how it came out in the end.
Thanks for playing my game! I really appreciated actually seeing someone else play my game, I felt nervous but proud throughout the entire play through!
(Little funnish fact: ??? ????? ?????? ??? has something to do with the end of the game 🤔)