Valid points, I think quite a few weird games turn out to be more fleshed out than just their weird visuals. Recently for me, Zeno Clash ($15 on Steam).
http://cdn.steampowered.com/v/gfx/apps/22200/0000007655.800x600.jpg?t=1241208144
Zeno Clash has the wildest character design and along with prehistoric art direction, it's uniquely weird. The world is very different from fantasy fare, with concepts like Corwin of the Free being like mental patients who are without inhibitions. Then there's a weird story where you're one of the children of Father-Mother but decide to run away from your family, and then you start getting beat up by your "Sisters" and "Brothers", while on the way finding out the mystery to Father-Mother. The ending has one of the most shocking plot twists that's straight out of a Grimm fairy tale.
All this presentation aside, the first-person melee is the most satisfying and deepest since Condemned. It's a brawler all the way, and appropriately arcadey with being blocked off in arenas for fights and having vs screens. There are shooting segments too, with the very hand-made weapons reminding me of Stranger's Wrath. You have fish dual pistols (like Videodrome), crossbows, and the coolest looking rifle. Surprisingly, they're fun to use in such a brawler-heavy game and add strategy to group combat encounters.
http://cdn.steampowered.com/v/gfx/apps/22200/0000007660.800x600.jpg?t=1241208144
http://casualtygamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/zenoclash_mucalosaurus.jpg
Just one of those games you MUST play for the unique experience.