Yeah, NES games looked pretty bad. I can find only a couple screenshots that don't make my eyes bleed:

http://www.defunctgames.com/pic/review-batmannes-big-1.jpg

https://www.myabandonware.com/media/screenshots/k/kirby-s-ad...

Hence my mention of historical reasons that are holding game aesthetics back. I think making good art requires criticizing your childhood tastes, not following them.