A very nice game. The pixel art style was one of my favorite things about this. I also liked the fact that one could use the lamps as an advantage to quickly restore health.
The one issue however, is the fact that there are no save rooms, why? It really hurt me after a long time of grinding only to find out I had to start from the very beginning. Maybe add a save room or checkpoints next time, okay?
Nevertheless, it's once of the best metroidvanias I've played in this jam. Well done.! :)
I could tell you wanted to make the game hardcore. My advice would be to seek inspiration from dead cells and dark souls, especially dead cells. Since in that game, if you die, no matter where you are, you start from the very beginning. But with your upgrades intact.
Also, if eventually you decide to not add checkpoints, you might want to make the game a lot fast paced than usual. Maybe make it so that players can fully explore or beat a section in less than 10 minutes.
Still, it's a great game. :)
