I think everythings a bit too contrasting, and with it being a bit busy it's hard to tell where to look, whats what etc.. I personally would try to seperate the interface (menu displays) from the playing area, tone down the blacks and bring the floor closer to the character so they feel on the same level. Im getting a vibe they're floating even with the obvious shadows underneath.
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/3258/changeni3.gifFrom this I'd work on the characters some more, they're coming across as a bit flat, I feel they could be more well defined, maybe the palette could be adjusted somewhat to your shading makes more of an effect to the depths.
well just some opinions, keep this up its got potential. I'd hate it to just be left.
Edit - Yea you're right looks like I swung too far the opposite way there, maybe the shadows are too much of a jump then?