Graphics vs. Gameplay

^ Graphics-intensive

If you pick up any game from the store shelves today, chances are that the graphics of the game will be good, if not stunning. Game developers have been placing more emphasis on graphics laterly, and with the imminent release of the PS3, which supports the full HD format of 1080p, games can only get better -- at least in the graphics department. You would be able to see beads of perspiration or tears on your character's face in some of the forthcoming games. For example, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 for the Xbox 360 boasts the ability to display perspiration on the character's face and in the much-anticipated Final Fantasy XIII, the visuals would be life-like, so life-like to the extent where you can spot tears running down your character's cheeks. However, all these bring me to the next question: Are graphics really that important to a game? For many, the answer is no. People just want great gameplay. As long as a game is fun, they will play it. That is what I heard almost everywhere, be it in the forums or in the interviews. And they echo my opinion too. Gameplay is what that matters most. I believe graphics are the things that game developers or publishers should use to market the game. Graphics are works of art and beauty, and therefore, suited to the role. There have been some great examples of games, which do not use intensive graphics, yet these games still attracted gamers. Think Mario, Zelda, and whatever Nintendo character you can conjure up in your mind. I want to point out Mario games. These games display cartoon-ish visuals, but why are so many gamers all over the world so attracted to it? Gameplay, and because Mario games are pure addicitve fun, Mario and his pals have became a household name in almost every country.

^ Gameplay-intensive

Of course, I am not saying that graphics can be negelected. When people look at the good graphics, they are intrigued by it and are tempted into playing the game (although at times, games with good graphics are not really good games). That is what I call the true role of graphics in a game. There are 2 companies, namely Sony and Nintendo in the console market right now showcasing their upcoming products, the PS3 and Wii respectively. The PS3 is going in the way of graphics-intensive and the Wii is going in the way of gameplay-intensive. Graphics or gameplay? Which is more important? You decide.