HTML5 version seems to be run smoother now, still a little lag, but I've posted it again, now with the new content.
*graphical update + bug fixes*
asset layers are no longer loaded statically, but instead run through an object that manages them, allowing them to be passed through shaders and avoid any ugly pixel bleeding. in the future this will allow for all kinds of effects on foreground/background objects with very little effort.

The mask system is a strong core idea. Giving each emotion a different movement ability and letting players combine them gives the platforming a clear identity, and I like that the masks also tie into the story and performance theme.
Overall, I think the strongest thing here is the mask mechanic combined with the theatrical theme. There is a lot of personality in the concept, and I would keep building around that while making the movement, level flow, and mask choices as clear and satisfying as possible.
Please consider giving my game a try, it’s browser based with a tight 2-3 minute game loop: https://barelyplayable.itch.io/blade-baes-brawl
Feedback form submissions preferred: https://forms.gle/fsJrAZDhJtP1CFXX8
Let me know if you’d like an invite to try the invite-only full alpha build :)
I think what I really mean is the pacing of the animations in general could be a little faster. The curtain opening at the beginning feels a bit slow, and the scene transitions also drag a little.
The menu buttons could use more obvious hover/click feedback too, just so it feels more responsive when you interact with something. Little delays like that can add up and make it easier to lose attention.
I’m also running into a pretty frequent bug where I get stuck on a black screen after clicking Play and choosing the first game mode. It seems to happen about every other time.
I’m on Chrome on Windows 11.
I was trying to jump back in and give better feedback on the masks, but I keep hitting the black screen issue so I can’t really get far enough right now.
I see what you mean about the lag, it seems there's a stutter on the itch version again... I think that might just be outside my control, as it changes from day to day, I think I'll link the Newgrounds version on here from now on... much more stable. And fair point about transitions between scenes, the animations probably should be a bit faster, and flashier. I wasn't able to recreate the crash, but it might be due to a very subtle bug, could you send me a screenshot of the developer's console? It would really help me out:
Hi, I finished the first tutorial level and wanted to share some rough feedback. In the early single-mask tutorial sections, I mostly followed the intended approach. I quite liked the well-designed abilities (though the Sadness mask is a bit tricky to control—do you think there could be better keybindings overall?). The world's atmosphere was decent as well. However, I wasn't quite sure why I had to follow the rules—I preferred just using Happiness and Anger, cleared the level easily, but got an F rank. I thought this was supposed to be a game that allows flexible playstyles. I also think the character controls could be further polished, but it doesn't really hinder the gameplay for now.