For future reference...
the only good ways to use a side-scrolling system is either in a platformer or hack-n-slash. If your trying to pass this off as a "hack-n-slash" you failed. You should work on making the game run more smoothly because lets face it, not everyone has a good computer. And then rather than increasing your strength, speed, or other rpg stats, you need to have the player unlock various combos that they can use.
But still... this wasn't a completely horrible game, and I'll give credit where it's due. Just please don't ever make a side-scroller RPG again.