Thank you. I think I get it and it's very helpful. So simplifying things for a start, big resolutions and/or large clusters, and/or no tiny details looks good without AA, becasue then pixel "stairs" are less visible. Small resolutions, small clusters and lots of tiny details demand AA.
I think this can be explained in subpixel terms also. If you have a large areas with lots of pixels to work with, subpixel techniques are obsolete to achieve "natural looking" curves. But with small stuff, when you can't go lower than one pixel to get smooth curves, you need to go to subpixel territory. In this case AA is a form of subpixel - between full pixel of one colour and full pixel of the other. Do I make any sense? XD
I think non AA styles work way better for a more graphical / more chunky approach. Think of cartoony drawings or art which is more in the Bauhaus style tradition, which only has straight lines and 45° lines and very clear cut circles
As this seems to have the goal of having a lot of small details which are described by a few pixels or single pixels, AA just is a natural addition to this direction.
If you wanted to change it, you maybe would like to think more about a graphical use with cleaner patterns or generally way bigger clusters (e.g. double the resolution and remove some details)
Wow. Thanks. I really, personally prefer more rough approach and minimal AA. This is a reminescence of my own overcoming a common obstacle for drawing students, who can't stop smudging pencil with a finger :). However, I know that experienced artists, who are totally anti-AA, have a great skill in either replacements of AA or working around it, or a style that actually doesn't need AA at all. Of course first I need to force myself to use AA in a satysfying manner (and to learn to use it properly), becasue you need to know all about things you want to consciously and succesfully avoid, but in the end I want to go to in that other direction. Are you able to point me in the right way or give some tips?
I really like the contrasting of all the elements.
I also think adding some more AA/polish could push this a notch higher, as all the basic work (composition, color, light) is already super solid.
Good work 
Neither do I have any gaming record worth mentioning ;)
Having never really played any Castlevania game more than 20 minutes, even I get the reference :D
Nice work my friend :)
yes it's basically like this.
I think the direction you choose is important for which techniques will have the biggest payoff.