This game was filled with a ton of really smart decisions, from the palette not using pure black or pure white, having keys work for both optional bonus chests and required doors, and using the natural risk/reward of having a long snake to drive decision-making.
I did find the input buffer to take a bit of getting used to, but I think near the end of the experience, I was more or less getting using to it? The game was short enough that dying and resetting wasn't terribly punishing, but I did feel myself playing far more on the safe side of things after my first few deaths, especially with my lack of skill in snake-likes.
I really like the ideas you brought up in a few of your comments about implementing a sort of 'combat system'. I think there's a strong enough base here that could lend itself really well to adding mechanics and scale!
Overall, really great entry to the Jam!