The graphics in The After Years are a weird mix between old FFIV and FFVI.
They kept some of the 'retro' looking things in IV that I believe they should not have (no shadows under the characters, the 'cheering' pose doesn't move the sprite upwards), but there are a lot of good things in TAY. The MoonPhase system makes things interesting, where you cannot just go gung-ho into an enemy's lair anymore otherwise you'll get your ass handed to you.