I never get that every time someone has issues with the graphic representation we get two pages full of people pointing out how you can't compare screenshots because it's not the same location or time a day and yet we get bombed with real life pictures for comparison to tell us it looks as it should.
No matter how you twist and turn it the game has taken a turn from the "old look" to the "new look". It is so clearly to see here:
Whether you like it or dislike the "change" is a whole other matter but there is defiantly something going on that can't be described by just location or time of day. Sharpening filter and a tint of color overlay can properly account for some of it but I don't believe all.
And in all honesty personally I preferred the older look like
@blady. To me it just had a much deeper and denser atmosphere or more dark and gritty if you will. Is it more realistic well maybe not but it was just more immersive to me and captured my attention with a sense of WAUW. If we take the two images I just posted I just feel more "uneasy" in the last screenshot. I feel like I have to be on my toes and watch my back because while there are wonders to be found in the city I am sure there's also danger lurking around in the corners. The streets are dirty and I can literally feel the mud under Geralts boots.
In the newer shot I don't have the same sense. Is it totally gone? No but it is just not as intense and immersive as in the other.
When all that is said I have made my peace with it a few months ago. It is how it is and it won't change no matter how much I and others cry about it.
And the game is still stunningly beautiful and a feast for the eyes which can be seen in the new gameplay trailer and IGNs first 15 min video. It will for sure be a milestone that other RPGs will be measured against in the future visually.