Alright. Let me begin by saying that the only real reason that this submission only gets 4.5 stars, is becuase this is a more serious review. You're not on the same level as most of the other contestants, so since I'm comparing you to greater creaters of games, you can consider my 4.5 stars as 7/5, were this just another Stencyl Jam game. But since I'll take this review more seriously, I'll also criticise your game more harshly.
ALZ was one of the very first games in the Stencyl Jam 2014 contest, and now this, Pine, is one of the very last ones (although it was posted after the deadline, I'm happy you managed to enter!).
I liked ALZ, and I definitely like this even more! I remember watching your animation around the same theme, late last year, so I recognized you immediately when I saw the title :')
When I kept playing the game, I realized that my final chances of getting a spot among the three winners is wiped out, hahha! I'm happy you uploaded this game though, I enjoyed playing it, and I think you have a good shot att hitting one of the prize pedestals! Good luck!
So... For the actual review...
First, there's the theme, which is pretty interesting. What I mostly like about it, is that it lays the base for a mysterious athmosphere. Which brings me to the music... Precisely as in ALZ, broove really is a perfect choice for you game. I am a musician myself (at least self labeled, haha).
Now, to the art. most of the art is really good, in my opinion, which makes sense, considering you're an animator. However, there's one thing I think you could still improve. Most of the tiles are fine, and I really like the background, and characters (+ other sprites such as gems, power ups, etc.).
But you know that one tile that is just a brown box? nothing fuzzy around the edges/corners, no white dots, just brown boxes. It's fine when you use them in the middle, but when they are edge pieces they simply look slitghtly unfinished to me, but maybe it really is only me :p
However, I shouldn't be complaining about the art, since my art is far inferior to yours!
Well, now for the gameplay. Although I think the gameplay is good, I'd say it's the weakest link in your game; I'll try to explain why.
Firstly, as you've already stated, a map would be nice, but I know you're already working on that.
And I know it can feel a bit dumb, but if you're aiming for higer ratings, I recommend writing out the controls as if you were to try explaining them to a tree, or someone with the same amount of IQ, at least (or lower). People won't care in a bad way if you write them out, but not doing so can result in some low votes, as we've clearly seen. Same thing with the mute button (which I know you said you'll add). Although I love the music, and it helps build the mood, I know that there are inevitably some that will want to listen to other stuff, or nothing, while playing. If you wan't people to have the full experience, you can 'not' add a mute button. But if you're looking for higher scores, a mute button is always a good idea.
Now, as we all know, this was inspired by games such as Endeavor. This is by concequence wery similar to similar games, like Level Up, and many other ones (Not to speak of the winner of Stencyl Jam 2012, which was in the sam style, but if I dare say it, superior to this one). The issue is, as somebody already mentioned, that in terms of gameplay, this game doesn't really add anything that could top them. Now, I realize that Stencyl is limited, and that you didn't have any more time than the rest of us, so I won't complain too much.
Still, I like how you still manage to add some puzzle-ish things every here and there! And that you manage to build such a large game; I'm very impressed. Sometimes, so large that you get lost, haha :3
The controls work fine for the most part, and I haven't found any real bugs either.
And as has already been said, you should probably include some medals. Examplewise, give medals for the power ups, and make a number game attribute, that counts gems. Every five gems could give 10 points, or something like that. Medals; badges; rewards, are simply things that gamers appreciate.
I could say some other things, but probably nothing that would be all that helpful.
I really enjoyed the game, and I'll continue tomorrow, since I'm not quite finished yet, which is why I haven't commented on any ending, which there probably is. I still think that my score and review would be pretty much the same though. I'm getting really tired, so I'm sorry if my review is full of gibberish and spelling errors.
Once again, good luck in the contest!
Ps. It might be a good idea to make the music drop in volume when the game is paused, or diminish completely :p