Hi —
Thanks for the feedback.
The whole speedrun/clearing out levels was meant as a way to go back and replay the levels and earn extra stars. It's not actually possible to speedrun a level plus clear it out in the same run, nor can you speedrun a level until you know how to beat it as you wouldn't know where to go. Once you get a star for a level, it gets saved and you can't lose it. I can see how this might be confusing when a lot of mobile games require certain conditions to be met in a single run before handing out 3 stars. Clearly, I need to emphasize this more, I will add something in the tutorial about this, plus something in the first couple of levels. My intention with this style was always to encourage the player to take their time on the first run, then come back later if they want to really challenge themselves.
I did have a timer there for a bit, but removed it for the sake of having less clutter on the screen. I may consider an option that toggles it on or off.
I hear you on the bats, they were actually more powerful before :D I'm thinking I'll take them out of the first bunch of levels until players get a better feel for the controls. Will replace them with one of the easier first world enemies such as the skeletons. I also plan to add a variable jump control which will hopefully address your point on the jumps being hard to control - so basically a quick tap for small jump, long press for larger one.
I'm still playing around with the best way to represent the shop. I like the idea of having some items available to look at right away, so I think this is a good idea. Regarding the whole Metroidvania thing you mention, the first purchase was designed to teach players how to use the shop, so progress is only blocked for as long as the player doesn't go into the shop and buy the first sword. Once you get that first weapon there are no more blockers, meaning you can beat the rest of the game with just the iron sword (not recommended). Still, I hear you, and will look at opening up some more purchases early on.
Can I ask what you're background is when it comes to these types of games and what type of device you're playing on?
Cheers