The best art game on NG
Damn, there is just too much I have to say about this game. I'll try to keep it neat and organized.
Presentation/Sound: Definitely loving the (almost) one-bit art style. The simplicity of the player and the ground he walked on contrasted with the strange monoliths scattered around in a captivating way. I would use this game as an example if anyone ever asked me when simple visuals are better than high-end ones. As for sound, I'll just say it gets the job done. I would have liked a bit more variety, but it was good nonetheless.
Gameplay: I suppose it takes a certain kind of temperament to enjoy this game. As a person that enjoys exploration games (I've sunken numerous hours into games such as Fallout 3 and Mass Effect) I can say that I loved it. I've noticed a large amount of negative reviews that are largely centered around the fact that it is so difficult to explore the area. Personally, I think that logic is unfounded. Where's the challenge in having a map? If this 'Looming' place is supposed to be some barren void, why would you expect it to be easy? In fear of going on too long, I'll just cut it short: The majority of these negative reviews aren't worth seriously considering. I wouldn't change this at all.
Story: I suppose this is what it all boils down to; does it have a good story? In that regard, I'd say you have succeeded magnificently. In this game there is a world that I found I was actually very interested in. The story (or rather, the backstory) was compelling enough that I found myself sweeping the map TWICE to find the last artifact I was missing so i could get the last ending.
Closing Comments: One thing that sticks out in my mind was the inclusion of your developer notes once you unlocked everything. Reading that was probably one of the things that stopped me from crying out "pretentious art bullshit" like everyone else seems to be doing. In giving us your thought process behind this, it becomes that more viable as true 'art'.
I'm finished.