Not sure if ‘explore’ is the right word, it’s pretty linear and you can’t really just roam and do what you like.
That said, it’s a terrific game and yes, $15 is a no brainer as it’s worth every cent.
I’d have loved for this to have been fleshed out more, made into a longer game because I really enjoyed it and it doesn’t go for long enough. The story deserved more as well.
Edit: maybe my first paragraph needs clarifying and changing somewhat; a couple of the stages do let you ‘cat around’ as someone else here put it