I really enjoyed this. We also had a combination lock puzzle in our game and we are getting a fair few comments about not being able to figure out the combination. I have to say I like your clues. You had allusions to the answer and red herrings which made it fun and quite satisfying when I finally figured it out.
I also must agree with the comments regarding the axe. I think the use of the axe is clear enough the moment you get it. I think the lack of feedback when you actually use it is a little confusing, but since the path forward is linear enough, your trial and error will bring you to the solution.
I actually enjoyed the sound and music. It has a great retro 8-bit feel to it and it felt nostalgic for me </old>. Also makes me wish we had more time for me to try a retro theme for the music in our game rather than just scrambling to play/record guitar and bass tracks.
I think the cooldown gives you a sense of urgency and resource management which is nice, but maybe the people require too much damage to be.. juiced?
Alternatively, maybe the logic behind the number of people that meet the criteria and the probability that two people matching that criteria will have a "golden moment" where they will be in the same position at the same time?
Definitely challenging; was down one heart sliver left on my fourth attempt on the boss when I got him. Not sure I understood the direction with the music, but the sound effects were nice.
