What about technology. Maybe KST is really just learning, discovering the new unity engine and the whole full 3D options.
In The Twist, we've noticed some "upgrades" that came almost at the same time, like the clothes, haircuts, tatoots, skin tan etc... Diary etc..
We are maybe just dealing with a learning curve. And I do think KST is a single person. Not a team of developers. And it takes plenty of skills to make a game, even a small one. Gameplay, level design, story telling, scripts, effects, drawing, animations, security etc...
So I do believe KST when we are told that the engine is being explored. It's like fundamental research and applications. Fundamental research takes times and brings no short term results.
But when comparing TT and SSM, I see a HUGE difference. The full 3D engine to start with. Imagine the possibilities.