Really, I think the style of art needs to fit the game. I do like the style of the new Prince. I think it works well. The art is dynamic but not quite realistic. Seeing as how Prince of Persia, as a series, is about amazing acrobatics and heroic deeds the style reinforces the themes of the game. I am not performing realistic actions when I am running on walls and bouncing down with stealth kills from above. A style that is more realistic might not fit with the high action setting.
Survival horror and war games need to feel realistic most of the time. I need to feel like I am fighting for my life to enjoy these games. There are few things that kill a suspenseful mood faster than bland zombies with poor fields of vision. You heard me "Alone in the Dark." I am talking to you.
Platformers are often purposefully unrealistic.
Art direction and music are key to enjoyment of a game, but it is more about how well the overall package fits. There are games that I play that I feel unattached to for reasons difficult to sum up. Often, if I am not really enjoying a game there is just something missing in the tone. Even if there are no obvious glitches, or control issues, or obvious graphical problems I can feel uninterested in a game.
"But as always, technology refused to be dignity's bitch."--Vance DeGeneres
