Obviously Crysis, that was my whole point.  Artistic games can range from a cheap 2d game to something like Crysis.  Although considering the higher quality of the sprites these days, and the lack of artists, it probably costs more than you might think.

You're still ignoring that the general public tends to go with a safe visual style like Mario Kart or Carnival Games, rather than something "different" like Okami or No More Heroes.  Although some of your examples I wouldn't call so much artistic, just colorful.

couldn't had said it better

Swords and soldiers is a Wiiware game...

And Galaxy would actually count as an "artistic" game, it certainly wasn't pushing for realism and had its own...unique graphical techniques and images that I haven't seen in too many game.

Wow that Kizuna game looks amazing, how is it that I've never seen nor heard of this game before this thread? Someone please give me the run down...or link me somewhere where I can read up about this game?

It was just announced 2 days ago. Please vote for it here, if you wish.

http://vgchartz.com/forum/thread.php?id=39855

What's with the Street Fighter screenshots. Something I don't know?

Not street fighter. Tunsunoko(h/e you spell it) vs Capcom.

its nintendo fault. they shouldnt be so secretive and they hsould have created a more powerful system.

What does that have to do with this thread. Seriously?

Brown and gray games can still have great art direction.  Personally I quite like KZ2's style, though I do hope for some more color in other levels.  It seems like besides mad world, you are equating colorful or cell shading with artistic.