It's really interesting how added detail can detract from art.

Old games, you had to use your imagination, and every single detail of a game (the good ones, anyways) worked toward feeding the idea being presented. Even if the art part sucked, there'd be a clear vision to the game.

These days, graphics just look like what they are, no imagination required. It doesn't even spin up that part of your brain because there's enough detail to soak in. That sounds nice, but it can completely change the mood of a scene for a viewer if they're watching instead of thinking.

It also seems like the artistic focus these days is on the literal art assets and not the whole project as an art piece. I think the corporatizing of the gaming industry hamstrung creativity in general. Managers and executives have no idea what good writing is, but you might get a raise if that character model looks cool! (haha just kidding, no one gets raises).