You know... I was always wondering what those points above each cats head was. It wasn't until I accidentally clicked on the stats below them that I found out their stat points. I CAN GET PAST THE FIRST AREA NOW!!!
The game has a great combo of detailed pixel art and very peaceful music. Wished the game was a little longer and had more "Will to [Blank]" like ones that allowed you to toss or throw something, swim, or shift to another section of the world.
So I was running through Tadpole mode to get some gems. Found out you can open the menu shortly after getting hit and you'll be stuck vertically, but you can't die and you'll continue collecting gems.