WaxJewl: Excited to see that it's now available on GOG after mixed reviews.
What are your thoughts after first plays?
I've got the Steam version, so my thoughts are based on that.
I love the game. I've completed the main storyline, but there are some secret levels I've yet to do. The game is HARD, at least on the 'core' difficulty, but it's a fun challenge. Bosses are suitably impressive visually and make for interesting fights.
Some of the reviews I've seen approach the game as a Metroidvania, but it really isn't one. The overworld has some Metroidvania inspired elements (some areas are locked off until you get a permanent ability unlocked), but I wouldn't consider the game as a traditional Metroidvania. The overworld is static and has entrances to procedurally generated dungeons that change each time you restart them. Unless you play on the "official seeded" mode, where the dungeons are also static, so you can learn the layouts each time you run them.
The game is seriously gorgeous. I love the pixel art style. Very nice.
So yeah, I enjoy it. Enough to have put nearly 40 hours in on Steam, anyway.