Very strong prototype. Looks very promising!
Here's what I loved:
+ The visuals. There's really nothing that looks quite like this game. While the level layouts are the classic formula, they visually are a treat to look at: the game is simultaneously well-designed but also looks "rough" - that is to say it doesn't look overly produced. The art feels very authentic is what i'm trying to say. The animation is phenomenal.
+ Complexity of combat options. Its absolutely insane and inspiring just how many moves the protagonist has at his disposal. Some serious thought and effort when into how this kid plays. The effort is rewarded- the kid is a charm to control.
+ The intro. Really high quality stuff here. Your team should be proud. I wish it had subtitles though; I genuinely have no idea what's being said.
+ Controls. These feel really smooth. As recommended, the controller feels best but its actually pretty playable on keyboard too.
Here's what bothered me:
- Monsters. There are too few monsters currently to engage with. It got boring fast fighting the same one over and over. It also isn't intuitively obvious what the different colored variants do.
- Flow. I wish monsters entered the arena a bit more interestingly. Instead of left and right, perhaps have them climb out of windows, walk in from the player's camera view, drop down from the sky, etc. This is critique is nit-pick though so take it with a grain of salt.
You guys have something special here. Hope to see more from this team. Good luck!