Thanks. The trick was to finish it before I started posting it.
KC was definitely an inspiration for the game. I don't mind the sprites / background style and it was, practically, the only way I could have done the game. I would never have finished if I'd had to render every scene in full.
I made a decision not to go as far in that direction as KC, and other games. You do see a bit more in the epilogue, such as a change in hair color or a new tattoo, depending on the ending, but I wanted to keep the game a little more "realistic", relatively speaking. Also, given that the game takes place over four months, which didn't allow for too much in the way of physical changes.
Yes, that too was a deliberate choice. As I say in my little post game summary, above, that may not have been the right choice. If I was starting over with the game, or rewriting it (neither of which will happen), I would add some more internal development for the MC. Alas.
At this point, I don't even know if there will be a next project. I'm just now in the stage of deleting the Descent assets from my computer and tidying up some stuff. The next game, if it ever happens, is some time away.
Thanks for your comments.