Not sure if this helps but I noticed if I replace the files after I started the game up, it will start integrating the images into the game. This does not work fully however as some images do not display right or just use the OG character. Otherwise I enjoy the game a lot.
I would like to know if it is possible to be able to mod my own sprites in? if it is possible I would love to know how, since the png's are encrypted or something. Is there a way to put our own custom insert of a character into the game? (I do realize that would mean making the sprites and I am no stranger to that task of making sprites and such.)