My monitor settings are fine. This is actually my gaming laptop. That way I can sit on my couch watching WWII sub documentaries while playing SHIII.
Perhaps it's a moon thing. Like I said before the gamma doesn't work because it doesn't allow the adjustment of contrast so the entire game, HUD and all, look terrible.
I'm playing SHIII right now but I'll attempt SH4 again soon and see if it's still bearable. I really find it odd that I can't find anyone else mentioning this issue via google search. Maybe I just use the outside view a lot more than everyone else. I just love watching everything play through graphically after I set my orders. Beautiful games.