I kind of like the packaging too, for what it is. I mean, I'll always prefer styles like the vintage, OTC, and even TAC line, but this is for a cartoon - and seems to fit well. As far as the style of the figures go, I kind of think that they might be animated as well (to an extent). I'm thinking something like Jesse mentioned with the TAC Wave 3 Obi-Wan figure. I think they'll have somewhat "normal", articulated bodies, but the headsculpts may show a bit of an animated influence. Like others have said, I think that Hasbro was talking more about the previous Clone Wars series when they said they weren't making anymore animated figures. I don't think we'll see any more of the extreme animated, no poseability figures from Hasbro - at least not in a large release. This new Clone Wars series could go on for years, and will likely be an ongoing line for at least awhile, so I think they'll be articulated "action" figures, but the likeness is up in the air for now.
I guess I'm in the minority, but if I'm being honest, I'll probably collect them either way. I'd rather see a more realistic style to fit in with everything else, but I know when it comes down to it, I'll likely be collecting the line. I think the vehicles will be able to fit in either way, which is a good thing for everyone. Anyways, back to the packaging, it looks pretty nice and will definitely stand out on the shelves I think.