I loved the style of the game, the psx look to games are super cool to me and I really do enjoy the asthetics to it. I think the story has potential, however the protagonist isn't making any progress towards finding said deer. I don't mean the game has to end with the main character finding the deer, but finding the deer was the protagonist's main objective so having the player get closer and closer to finding that deer would work really well if it coincided with the phantoms becoming more of a threat as the player gets closer to the deer.
For example, the deer leaves a blood trail from getting hit by the car and goes further and further into the woods. The player follows these blood trails and has to fight off phantom like creatures. With the ghosts becoming more numerous and aggressive as the player travels further into the woods, and closer to the deer. Finally, the player stumbles upon the two ritualistic pillars with the campfire between them, where the deer is lying. In coming to the deer's aid, the ghosts surround the player and the ritual, as seen in the end of the game begins.
This is just my suggestion and thoughts on the game, however I know how game development can be super complicated and time consuming, so I completely understand if there are limitations this game. I admire your commitment to a project as complicated and as time consuming as this one probably was. I can only wish I had that kind of dedication to something as huge as this!