thanks so much for playing, and for such a careful writeup! really glad you still enjoyed it even when you couldn't find a win.
you're right about the opening: throwing the whole game at you at once, every mutation included, is a lot to read through before anything has clicked. unlocking mutations over the first few rounds, and walking systems in one at a time, is going on the list. same for making the early ai easier, so the first games are actually there to learn with.
the grey-out when you don't have dna points is a really good catch too, no reason to let someone set up a mutation just to find out they can't afford it. i'll also look at the redundant ones, and at the flying heal especially, since a mutation you can't feel in the fight isn't doing its job. the cap wording and the crowded ui are already on the fix list from other players as well.
i'm playing the corrupted ascent now and will come back with notes. thanks again, this helps a lot!