Since when did graphics become the main point of a game.

[hippo24]

Graphics are only usefull to the point where my eyes stop hurting, and I can tell which polygon Im supposed to be shooting.

So the need for graphics changes with each game...but after around Halo 2, or Half-life 2, levels, there really is no need to improve.
If your going to spend money on visuals:

60FPS!
60FPS!
60FPS!

I care more about that then the glistining effect of the water.

Have any of you ever heard of Dwarf Fortress?

Is it bad if I have?

 

[Nurb]

Because pretty pictures sell games more than decent writing, good story, and GOOD GAMEPLAY. It's also why games are getting shorter. More money spent on a graphics engine means less game they attach to it.

I'm not saying I expect psx graphics, but geez, give me more than a 6 month lifespan on my video card before I can't raise the settings and everything looks like jaggy sploches.

 

[DrDeath3191]

Sometimes visuals can add to the experience (See Madworld, or Okami), but gameplay should be thw forefront priority.

 

[Hakazaba]

Dwarf Fortress is good to have!
I was using it as an example of a brilliant game with barely any graphics.

 

[johnthenerd]

The graphics have to be adequate for the game. Modern game design tends to incorporate more graphical elements. People have already pointed out issues like camoflauge and sniping. In addition, good graphics are just easier to look at for hours. I can play Super Mario Bros. 3 a lot longer than I can stand the original. Same hardware, but nicer graphics. It's not a matter of photorealism. Good graphics are a matter of how easy a game is on the eyes. Old fashioned, bright, clean sprites hold up remarkably well.

New fangled technologies allow new ways of making good graphics. They don't necessarily make the graphics better.

 

[solider23876]

if the game is stable FPS-wise and the graphics don't completely suck, i'm fine. i started up Diablo II again this week and i was kinda off putted by the graphics within the first 5 minutes but the game was so good that i just forgot about my present-day graphical standards and got really immersed in the game. seriously graphics aren't important. they just have to be at least somewhat aesthetically pleasing to sell relatively well these days.

 

[Altorin]

Since ever. Graphics, not gameplay, wins console wars.

wrong

graphics FUEL console wars

The first to come out and develop a consumer base usually wins

Pure Processing Power has never won.

 

[Kiutu]

I can get into old games fine. Good games are good games, it is unfortunate though people cannot understand that sometimes.

 

[DROPDEADNAKED]

I am a graphics whore. I cannot play any of my old games because the graphics are too terrible.
I only play CS Source... 1.6 has better gameplay and play mechanics... But the graphics make me want to hurl.

-Nich

www.myspace.com/TheLakesideIsForKillers

 

[Cirus Arvennicus]

Since gaming became mainstream.

Also, Nich. You're a baby.

 

[cartzo]

well many people now see that immersion is one of the main pionts that make a game good, and i suppose it seems that the better the graphics are the more it draws you in.