Thank you so much for your response! I really love hearing it all. Let me address your feedback -
Controls: Yes, a settings menu with alternate controls could be nice. I might add that in a future update. I'm used to using Z/X for this type of game, so that's what I went with.
Gameplay: I entirely agree that a bit more direction could be nice, I also like the openness and letting the player just straight up figure out and interpret for themselves what is going on. I believe that is part of the charm of the game.
Bugs: I've never had that happen. I'm assuming it's because the game starts automatically and takes a bit to load, but I'll keep an eye on that one.
NPCs/Visuals: Yeah that guy is a knight. There isn't all that much other than NPCs to interact with, so it's not a MAJOR issue, although I can definitely see your confusion. He is definitely the worst-designed out of all of them. I might modify him a bit.
Endings/Replayability: This is where it gets interesting. The two different endings are different, slightly. Ending one results in a flashing white effect and a boom sound, followed by red text. Ending 2 (Heralded by the "RUN." realization) lacks the boom and flash, and shows blue text. Interpret that how you will. More detail will either be helpful or detrimental. I think it depends on the player. Some enjoy a bit more direction, and some enjoy the obscurity of it. I think that's where we hit the line of the types of players, instead of needed improvements for the game.
Audio: I added SFX. When did you play this? It might have been before I did. I don't know. If they still aren't working, please let me know.
Final Thoughts: Again, thank you, thanks so much for all the kind words. I put a lot of work into this and I love it when I get players that enjoyed it. Your feedback and support means the world to me.
Have a great day,
Elijah