Playing A Game Batbarian: Testament of the Primordials PC

With a grid-based map, save-point safe rooms, hidden treasure chests, button-mashy combat, level-ups... I really thought that Batbarian's demo was teasing a full-blown Bloodstained-style Igavania. But after soaking in the full game - now en-subtitled Batbarian: Testament of the Primordials - for a couple hours, I've come to realize that it's really more of a platforming beat-em-up adventure that's borrowed a 'vania framework.

That is, instead of rapidly accruing new equipment and upgrades that unlock new map areas or overpower enemies, I'm really just solving mildly-puzzling navigation and combat challenges by feeding specialized berries to a magic bat.

That it's more of an action and platforming game than I expected isn't necessarily a bad thing, and I still appreciate the game's humorous dialog...

... but without an abundance of Metroid-ey upgrades, or the mechanical complexity that can make a puzzle-vania, I'm just not that interested.

Better than: Chasm, Pocket Kingdom
Not as good as: Iconoclasts, Timespinner
Narratively better, but playing it feels more tedious, than: Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight

Progress: Level 8, rescued Twigs, got to a dried-up underground lake?

Rating: Meh