Hi Callum John,
thank you for playing the game and thank you for your feedback.
Unfortunately due to the limited time I could give to the game, I couldn't create a nice smooth effect. However some part of the game mechanics are meant to be in that way, the first frame of the attack is supposed to be a preparation to hit, like 'loading' the attack, while the second frame and third are the attack itself. The game is more an experiment for future development mixing beat 'em up with RPG, players will be able to customise characters, change weapons, change equipment and so on. You might have noticed how attacks and stats are different from one character to another. You can see an example on my reply to xenological below.
Bugs are normal in a prototype game done in few days, so if you find any, please let me know as much details as possible in order to fix it. If you were stuck on a Giant Leech (the first monster) while using the Warrior (first character on the left that you can select), then it is probably normal. Leeches whip you first dealing damage to your life (red bar) and mind (blue bar) at the same time, once your mind goes to zero they jump on you and stay attached to you sucking your blood until you die. I addition when your mind level is zero, you become insane and this can cause some random problem, at this stage only one is implemented, the movement controls are inverted. The game is aiming to be more a cooperative game rather than a single player, the single player just give you the desire to play with a friend. In your case when a Leech is attacked to you, you cannot hit it, a friend however can attack it and set your free to play again. The insanity however, will be in effect :-)
I have noticed the bug at the restarting of the game, unfortunately at 2 am you need to make a decision knowing that you have to wake up and go to work at 6.30 am. My options were trying to fix the bug (and not be sure to succeed) or add music and sound effects. I opted for the second one and I am sure the game is more enjoable in this way rather than with that bug fixed. I cannot fix the bug now due to the end of the jam but I will do for sure after the end of the voting. In the meantime with the above details in mind, you can try again the game with your friends and let us know if you were able to finish it. Please also take note of any bug you might find, I will do my best to fix them as soon as possible.
Thank you really much for playing and leave a comment! :-)