I have a theory about Kouya: They don't like him. At least, that's it. The change on the protagonist for him to be a fox is also not good on my eyes.
That being said, the design of the game is something you get used to, I prefer the Torahiko of this version better than the original, but Kouya on the original is better designwise. The personality though is the same.
This is in the end, a fan free of charge project with artwork, music and all of that complete, so we cannot complain. Let's just be happy they are trying to finish the original game with their own version of it and trying to be original. The script of the story is also good, and there's no more horrible questionable rape endings too, which is good. And no one is way underage now, everyone above 17.