This would have worked better if it was done IN really good pixel art.

Pixel art is fine if it's done right. As a stylistic choice for a throwback game or something, cool. Make it look good, though with either authentic-ish color palletes or just put effort into your animation and shading. If you're making half-assed blocky things because you can't draw or be bothered to hire an actual artist, however, you're gonna have a bad time.