Generally I think it's perception.
Many things are starting to look more realistic now no matter the art style.
It's undeniable that the Order is a good looking game, but like you said, there is questions as to if it will continue to be held to that esteem over time versus something like Mario 64 or Donkey Kong country.
Something I found rather interesting iis that many people are looking for realism, but what is realism? Is it a character that looks real but is using some super sci-fi gun in a sci-fi world? Or is it something like Kirby and the rainbow curse? Despite what some might think of the game, it looks like real clay in a very claynimation style. That is something that is extremely real and looks like you could grab it tangibly and create your own clay art. It looks life like, albeit not actually living as it's clay. So what is real? Is there a point where art style and realistic collide?
I like yyour question, I'm not sure if there will be a difinitive answer, but it's fun to ponder.
Gotta figure out how to set these up lol.
