this is definitely a hidden gem. The core loop is simple and polished, the upgrades at the start of the game plus the ability to choose how much life you had made it really easy to get into. The art style is gorgeous.
I do have a few minor nitpicks, but these are minor - things to think about for a full release:
- turn down the screenshake a little. It's quite intense! I love a bit of screenshake, but that was a LOT.
- a way to exit the game that isn't alt+f4
- player feedback on hit felt a little... lacking? Everything else is juiced to hell and back, so why is this not? ;)
- the menu needs to be click-able with enter/space if you're going to force me to use arrows/WASD to navigate it. Or you need to be able to point with the mouse button! Figured it out eventually, but it did take a second xD
Overall, a really great entry. Well done!