I think different art styles each have important uses. Mario is about escapism. When I am playing Galaxy I always seem to have a goofy grin on my face, and the cartoony atmosphere helps me get into the right mood. However, Resident Evil needs to be full of gritty details. The more realistic the world the more I feel as if I am fighting for my life.
also, There is a middle ground between the two that is getting overlooked on this thread. A game like Valkyria Chronicles has an amazing water color texture, that is not devoid of all realism. The game is violent, people die, and a war is being fought. The art style helps balance the two extremes and helps create a gritty world with consequences that still has hope and love.
If i am rambling it is because i am tired and I have reached that definte incan monkey god = brilliant inspiration point.
"But as always, technology refused to be dignity's bitch."--Vance DeGeneres
