Graphics VS gameplay.

[Lechev]

Definately game play. If now MOO2* and MOO3 is infront of me, i'll definately choose MOO2 over the 3.

*MOO ---> Master of Orion

[PyrrhusofEpirus]

Although I can't see the poll results, I guess with certitude that gameplay will win by far. But I 'd like to spot that gameplay is more than less subjective, rather than graphics which are objective by nature.

[Nelson]

I expect good game play and good up to date graphics in any new game. We can have both. They are not mutually exclusive so I won’t let devs off the hook on either.

The fact is graphics seem to get slammed whenever game play disappoints as though the graphics are the reason. Why is that? If I’m going to stare at my monitor for hours I want the game to look as good as it can. Technology has allowed graphics to improve dramatically over the years. The bar is pretty high now. The graphics people on a project are not the game play guys anyway. The jobs are different.

Could it be that updating PCs to accommodate decent frame rates in demanding games annoys some people so much that this manifests itself as a disdain for what they call derisively call “eye candy”?

[Phatose]

Unlikely that it's just upgrading, as you definitely find this attitude among console gamers as well. And they don't upgrade.

I'd expect the rationale is that development of that 'eye candy' is a budget intensive operation, and therefore draws resources away from other concerns. The more graphics guys you hire, the less cash you have for programmers and testers.

And if you think about it, the industry has shown the ability to say "Who cares about gameplay, it will sell because of X." (see any Akklaim movie tie in game ever made), and the knowledge that impressive graphics get media attention, and people get a little suspicious, y'know?

[caesar44]

It is far more important that the game has a common sense , a logical actions and outcomes , a realism , a real challenge etc' , than how the trees look's like or how the building collapsed

[Marcellus]

Gameplay is what makes a game good. Graphics can only make a game better.

[Kekvit Irae]

Gameplay all the way.
Operation Flashpoint's graphics are laughable, but you will not find any other FPS that so so engrossing, so realistic, or so fun. Battlefield 2? Pfft. Capture the flag with eyecandy. Hardly worth my time.

SMAC's graphics are mediocre, at best, but you dont play a Sim Meier game for the graphics. You play it because they are the best dang strategy simulations known to man. Master of Magic and MOO2 (both using the same engine) were hailed as some of the best strategy games of their time, but like most classics, their graphics were laughable.

Rarely a game can combine sweet graphics with alluring gameplay, but I'd rather have someone who's plain-looking who can keep me interested with personality and intelligence for years on end than a hot blue-eyed blonde who I'll get bored with after a few days.