Thanks for the really great feedback!
I’d be very interested in knowing what made it look intimidating. Was it the party selection? Or the Pre-fight? Or something else. And if you have any idea of what might make it less so.
I was planning to not need mouse interactions while exploring at all and have an “Press [Space] to Heal” or similar show up inside the portal room when facing the slugs. I guess that would have helped. It should probably be made clearer that it comes at a cost. At least after first time.
And third level was the last! I really should have done some narration after each level started to hint towards this. My initial idea was of course that each level should be and feel different too…
Again thanks for great feedback. It has added a lot to my post-jam refinement list.