Thanks for the verbose feedback!
All valid points.
Reasonings for some of them:
- Spear dudes aren't meant to be challenging, they are there to lure you into ambushes, and force you learn how to kite enemies into chokepoints.
- Flask was a last minute addition, they are as jank as can be, my apologies.
- Emptiness of the world: absolutely fair. I had planned for weapons, consumables, props, etc. ( and a max HP upgrade, hidden until you get the brand) to be littered in the environment, but ran out of time. Currently, neither exploration or combat rewards you in any way, outside of progression, so that is a point I'd definitely address if I decide to develop this further.