It wouldn't hurt to add a few chain links for the Final weapon.
Also, I've determined that the Hilt upgrades would account to skills, It'll be similar to LoS (well, more metroid) with Upgrade spots on the map.
The chains will be Damage, Length, and Speed.
Tips will also be strength, Element, Special (Like bullet tip)
Since Simon's quest won't have alot of steep vertical areas, Uppercut may be a Triple Jump mechanic like Julius mode, maybe uppercutting a swinging node will allow you to hold on to it, go down and swing.
Animations Done so far...
Idle
Crouching
Running
Jumping (Straight Up, Forward)
Whip forward (Stand, Crouch, and mid-Jump)
Whip Diagonal-Up (Stand, Mid-Jump)
Whip Straigh-Up (Stand, Mid-Jump)
Animations to work on...
Stopping
Falling
Turning
Sub-weapon
Hurt
Whip Diagonal-Down
Whip straight Down
Pushing
Dodge Roll
Guard
Swinging
Uppercut
Lizard Tail (Maybe)