User blog comment:Mckrongs/Monster Hunter 4 for the Nintendo 3DS/@comment-5043481-20120706154255/@comment-5091195-20120707180421

On the note on graphics. Yes, the trailer's detail leaves something to be desired when you watch it on blown-up YouTube resolution. But if you watch one of the videos that have been adjusted to the "native resolution" of the 3DS, it looks much improved. I think that is why the first trailer had that weird border around it.

Also, it seems they are changing the art direction a bit, and are going for a more "watercolor" or "painting" look, much like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. So the "muted" look of the monsters may be a side-effect of this change.

And also, under development. I remain optimisitc that the visuals will improve, either by becoming more "HD" or by becoming more "artsy."