They look like games. Doing less stylized 3d isn't really specifically cost prohibitive at that scale. It's more about skilled specialized staff and the direction choices.
A strong reason to scope down art asset detail is to free a multirole developer to do other things. Which is why smaller teams have to consider it when planning.
A 30+ man team has a lot more freedom of expression so it comes up to the team's personal taste.
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https://store.steampowered.com/app/1887840/
Is also middle market.
A 30+ man team has a lot more freedom of expression so it comes up to the team's personal taste.
It's because they wanted to ape mascot platformers and childrens cartoons and create a lighthearted tone.
(although there is https://store.steampowered.com/app/2457580/Fight_Crab_2/ to fill that niche)