Hello,
Thank you for trying!
Well, that is good question regarding game design philosophy. Usually, games would explain you how to use what you have, and not what you don't have.
You will be learning what the abilities do as you acquire them.
There is only one way possible to get the first ability: just go left and down for a few rooms, you won't miss it. It is indeed a nod to Metroid from 1986: your way forward is going left. Just be curious and try to explore!
I sincerely encourage you to try again! It looks like players are liking it quite a lot. You will find abilities such as bouncing on clouds, riding wind tunnels and even Teleport. You may also find a sequence break to acquire abilities in different orders. All followed by a boss battle.
I hope you have the time! Thank you for your interest,
Cheers