Not sure if after two weeks you are ready for organic modeling in 3D yet. From my experience you would need more time to get comfortable in 3D environment. Anyway if you are still confident about it let me answer.
1. Correct, it is an old game after all. Try to use good texture instead. Particles are too advanced for now and I advise you to have fun with them later.
2. Good scene in 3D is a key for good results and it saves a lot of time. We (MDT team) have several different scenes for our own models: good resolution of frame (450x400) and lighting are crucial. Then you have tool called Compositor to match the style even more. Let me share one scene with you:
https://www.sendspace.com/file/70m1oa
Don't forget to adjust power of the lamp, and focal lenght (camera option in Lens) for your model. There is also a Screen layout (at the top) where you can find layout called Compositor, where you can adjust contrast and sharpeness as well.
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Here is a comparision of what good scene can do for you. I was helping Kuririn with his model and as you see, previously it wasn't sharp enough and didn't have right contrast. There was some color balancing done as well:
3. Compositor. It allows you to put some effects on all the frames you are going to render. Usually it needs some sharpening, contrast and color corrections. Sometimes it may be a good idea to add some contrast and sharpeness in texture itself. You can also try too add some "geometry" in influence. Read more about procedural textures.
Some random tips:
1. While animating, do remember about frame limits, try not to exceed 11 frame per animation. Also try to imagine center of gravity of your model for more realistic results
2. What something looks nice in HD it usually doesn't in H3 resolution, so work on H3 sized frames from the beginning
3. I would advise to deselect "Receive" in Shadow panel for material. It doesn't look good usually and may make your model too dark in some areas.
Good luck!