You start the game with a ranged attack , roll, and double jump so the combat is more interesting off the bat. Level design is very good and encourages different ways to traverse / take down enemies. Backtracking is still there but not as bad as some metroidvanias. Game is easy but fun on normal mode - and feels good to play on hard mode without being too punishing - could actually recommend stating on hard mode for someone who is good at these games. Good ambience - too many games try the dark souls minimal / bleak thing - which this game does to an extent - but contrasted with the cute characters and interesting environments actually makes it feel kind of novel instead of boring for me at least. Top tier pixel art / animations.

When I tried it out I did not expect to like it so much but ended up playing through it twice back to back - rare for me. Its nothing game changing for metroidvanias but I think the pixel art and varied combat is what keeps me coming back.

Edit: It kind of feels like playing Megaman in a metroidvania style.