Thanks for the detailing feedback! I'm adjusting a ton of the stuff based on what people have said, I can adjust platforming parameters by just changing a few values so I'll decrease max speed, increase deceleration, decrease air acceleration, change the dodge/lunge inputs, etc. Everyone seems to agree its too fast/jumpy. Water jumping is a good point, I'll try to increase the input buffer or the range you can jump on a surface, and especially the crouch slide
I might reupload the demo with some basic signs at forks in the road saying stuff like 'portal to start of level' or 'turn left for a save point', a lot of people had issues with that.
Even with the mario level being intentionally obnoxious, I think you're right I should adjust some hitboxes, I'll change which parts are chain and which are blade