First off, I do think that the textures and the colors for this area are at least a bit off. There are some things I like, and i think people are mostly focusing at the negatives, but I won't argue too hard there. Enemy animations also need work, but I will comment that I like how detailed all the models look.
What I don't agree with is people's complaints about the gameplay being slow and floaty.... like, have you played an Igavania? Have you played Symphony of the Night? Others have said it, but please take your nostalgia goggles off. In terms of it being empty, first off, I don't think the fact that this had no music was helping one bit. Second, this game is only 20% complete. Let the game be fleshed out, this is not the final product. I say that in terms of everything, but mainly I say it here because this is likely not how the final level will be, layout wise. We should not treat this like it is set in stone. That goes for stuff like pre-fight dialogue as well.
Also, it seemed like everyone was super happy with the ship level, on multiple levels. So even if this isn't as impressive as that, I still think we have enough proof that this has potential. One area should not kill that. And what exactly changed in peoples minds between then and now in terms of the general look and feel of the gameplay? A lot of backers (myself included) had the opportunity to actually PLAY the game via the pc demo, and impressions were largely positive! This game feels good, and it moves and feels like (Iga) Castlevania.