Hey! newbie here! this is my first post, btw. You're the reason I registered on the forum. I just felt strongly toward one of the options. 
After reading the responses you have gotten and see the path you are taking, I don't know if it will matter much, however.
I LOVE your first bg!!!@
I think your 1st bg represents the type of style that I hold dear to me in any type of artform. It looks original. The 2nd one looks photoshopped, which is fine, and admittedly a lot more functional when you come to the point of implementing walk-behind areas and such.
But if you can pull off the style of the 1st one in your game, I would say, do it without hesitation. I wish I could do that.
Alas, my bg's come out looking more like the 2nd one, if that good. So I have to say great job as well. Your updated 2nd bg is looking really nice.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to playing your game.
After reading the responses you have gotten and see the path you are taking, I don't know if it will matter much, however.I LOVE your first bg!!!@
I think your 1st bg represents the type of style that I hold dear to me in any type of artform. It looks original. The 2nd one looks photoshopped, which is fine, and admittedly a lot more functional when you come to the point of implementing walk-behind areas and such.
But if you can pull off the style of the 1st one in your game, I would say, do it without hesitation. I wish I could do that.
Alas, my bg's come out looking more like the 2nd one, if that good. So I have to say great job as well. Your updated 2nd bg is looking really nice.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to playing your game.