I'm a solo dev, so I can't really do hugely branching storylines, but your decisions to Awaken/Shatter or to be Kind/Cruel do have an impact on dialogue, certain reactions, and as the storyline progresses (and I don't need to worry as much about creating unmanageably huge branches) the impact will become more prominent :)
That being said, you're not going to be "punished" for your choices. Neither the game nor myself is interested in enacting any moral judgements. Just be aware that you'll get the ending(s) you aim for!