1. Is there a manual or reference guide to this game?
2. How do I use Alphone's lighter without firing a blast?
3. Does Alphone's gun get an upgrade? I seem to need the blast more often than it charges.
4. Is there a map I can access? It would be dreadful playing a game full of secrets and collectibles without one, especially one which areas are so broad.
5. Speaking of which, is there a zoom function (other than automatic camera movements)?

1. Sort of. The limited edition version for the PS4 and Switch was shipped with a basic physical manual. I couldn't find a scan of it, though. I've seen the contents within, and it's not that useful unless you forgot what the controls are; for which you can use the in-game menu. Consult your search engine of choice if you want some sort of additional guidance, or make your own notes as you progress.
2. Dunno. I don't think it's possible.
3. Yes! But to damage, not to rate of fire. You will just have to swap to Geddy during the cooldown period.
4. No, not in game at least. There is a "Buccanary Coin Overview" in the menu which displays how many of the collectibles you have acquired out of the total possible, per region.
5. Not that I am aware of.

Thanks. I appreciate the reply.