Played a few matches with default and wizard, in very easy, easy and very hard difficulties.
This game is super interesting as a pong with characters, each one with a different playstyle, but Im having a really hard time in doing cool things or surviving really. I will make some comparisons to pong now, to explain why I'm having such a hard time.
First off the character paddle is very small and moves slowly, which makes returning incoming balls much more difficult. But also standing in the way of the ball is not enough, you have to time the hit. Press too soon or too early and the ball will phase through you and if you don't press anything at all the ball stuns you and returns very slowly to the opponent opening yourself to a counterattack. It is incredibly punishing at the smallest mistake.
What messes with me the most is the build up time. It is difficult to account for and in my opinion it just makes the game harder and less responsive without much benefits. I know there is the back arrow + hit to hit with minimal build up time, I just dont know why not everything else is like that. No build up would make for much snappier controls.
I know that I sound whiny and "git gud lol", but most videos I have watched people struggle with basic stuff and there are several comments with something in the lines of "this is too difficult" or "I'm not good at this".
I believe catching the ball should be easier overall. A bigger paddle, no build up, faster movement speed, less punishment for failing a swing. If catching the ball becomes easier, the player will be more focused on the offense part and aiming their shots which could be a big plus.