I play on normal, with no running (sometimes i have to run to jump), pistol start till 3rd level (gzdoom has this bug when visuals froze, but the game still go on)
very nice balance of pickups on maps. I love when i am forced to fight with powered stick

. in 3rd map there is Crossbow at start , ok... but i prefer to conquer my assets (by finding secretes or killing monsters).
(BTW xbow start is interesting setup, what about Phenix start? im serious, it could be fun to have few powerful shoots at the start... hmm... or maybe not)
fights are nicely composed, they are challenging and fun (at first levels.. i remember serpents to be spongy AF).
this rule set is very good. monster are less spongy/ weapon doing more punch. i like the auto tome of power pick up, it nicely change the gameplay.
i would like hourglass to have bigger radius, current radious is too small, and you need to place bombs very precise (no, it dont improve gameplay, because often i place hourglass to soften enemies in open spaces and monster just bypass my explosive).
anyway, i didnt notice any breakthrough changes, since last time i play it.