What I liked
- I love metroidvanias and you really implemented heavy backtracking, which I haven't really nailed down yet,
- Visually, I like it. The background draws the eye just enough to notice it, but not have it detract from the game.
- Audio-wise, it felt like it meshed well together.
- It felt clear that the theme was implemented in some way, in your case, the manipulation of an ability grid.
Suggestions/Feedback
- Implementing a lot of backtracking can make it tedious to remember every room and which places they couldn't reach yet. Implementing a map would be a big game changer for your entry.
- Jump input needs some tweaking. There were a lot of times where I jumped when I didn't want to just because I didn't release the spacebar in time. Instead of when the jump is held, I would make it so that it only jumps when its initially pushed or released only.
- Personally, I think the "meme" windows in your ability grid screen really adds unnecessary clutter visually.
Overall, you did have a solid entry. Metroidvanias are ambitious for jams, so congratulations on what you accomplished. If you like Metroidvanias, you should participate in Metroidvania Month Jam. One just started today, but I need to catch up on other work and have some time to recharge my batteries.