Are Good Graphics Enough?

"Despite all the pessimism surrounding this year’s E3, there is one good thing to be gleaned from it. Top development companies have shifted from an emphasis on high-end graphics to a high-end engine—the difference is small, but impacts games in huge ways and says a lot about how the next generation consoles are likely to deal with improving the performance of games when graphics are already performing high across consoles (…excluding the Wii)."

[TheModernKamikaze]

Good gameplay is enough for me.

[BrunoM]

Gameplay is a must specially of you have been gaming sense the Sega master system as I been ..

But times are different and the way a game looks right now is able to make it or break it at times ..

So the new engines are welcome cus they make it easy to work with and well. One of us can say they look bad

So if next gen starts with these engines and they do pay attention to gameplay il be on a mix of the two is the best

[dark-hollow]

I disagree. a lot of developers love to boast about their graphics but the gameplay and overall game design is crap.

not to say graphics aren't important and there is games that are both beautiful and have solid gameplay.

how many times you said to yourself "this game looks good" compared to "wow the controls are so satisfying"?

[EeJLP-]

If I say a game 'looks good', I'm talking the total package, which includes whatever gameplay can be made out from whatever teaser or trailer I've seen.

I've never bought a game solely on graphics.

If I say something 'looks like crap', unless I specifically mention the graphics, again, I'm talking about the total package and the gameplay looks crappy, feels behind the times compared to other games available, or is just something I'm not interested in.

[gaffyh]

Good graphics nowdays means a different thing to what it used to. Now good graphics can mean realistic movement animations, lighting, destructible environments, and a better sense of immersion. That was never the case before, so graphics do matter a lot for some games that use these things.

On the other hand, there are things like Disgaea which doesn't have the best graphics, but always sells a decent amount because people enjoy it's gameplay. Of course, if it had the same gameplay, and better graphics, perhaps it would sell even more.

Good graphics alone aren't enough, but most games with good graphics are not just pretty to look at. They usually have decent stories and gameplay too.

[SilentNegotiator]

"Are Good Graphics Enough?" is a STUPID question with an insinuation that no person on the planet is arguing for.

[MacDonagh]

Of course it's not enough. People tend to be blinded by graphics when it's all the elements within a game that makes it a worthwhile exercise altogether.

An example of not seeing the forest because of the trees.

[3GenGames]

Enough? HELL NO. Games are meant to have good gameplay, graphics are a bouns if it has both. But graphics with no gameplay mean a crap game no matter what. Pull your head out of your butts guys, Super Mario World is better than most 3D games on modern consoles. Notice the word most, not all, most.

[3GenGames]

And to further my point:

Minecraft.

/checkmate.

[aznrunner1881]

Minecraft is bad...it's all bout Terraria

[HalfNerdHalfAmazing]

Most Xbox 360 & ps3 owners are happy with the graphics they no need for Ms & Sony to announce a new console in the next E3, I wouldn't mind holding on to my Xbox 360 til 2015.

[hennessey86]

We need new consoles next year, although there are still stunning looking games on current gen consoles like Halo 4, the last of us and beyond I think we are getting to the point where current gen consoles are getting to far behind PC's.

[Brettman2008]

I think enhanced graphics will, in some cases, improve gameplay. Improved detail and draw distances should assist in games like Battlefield 3 with the visibility of the enemy and objectives. Enhanced graphic capabilities would also, hopefully, allow games to run at 60 FPS. This would enhance controller response for games, in particular shooters and driving games where a sharp controller response is really required.

[EmperorDalek]

UC2 won GOTY in 09, so yes.

[TheModernKamikaze]

Because of graphics.

[MasterCornholio]

Great graphics + Great story + great gameplay = great game

Some people here suffer the delusion that its impossible to have a great game with great graphics. Because to them, the developers concentrate all their resources into pushing visuals and then they forget about developing the gameplay.

Many developers have proven this theory to be a load of bunk.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

Gameplay>Graphics

But

Great gameplay and graphics> Great gameplay and terrible graphics.

[RememberThe357]

Because it was the best game of the year. Graphics were the icing, everything else was the cake.

[MiamiACR21]

I don't even own a PS3, but I make an effort to borrow my friends for a least a week to play a new Uncharted game. UC2 won because it blended graphics and an excellent story almost perfectly, it was THE most immersive experience I've had to this day, love the characters in that game.

[ufo8mycat]

UC2 won GOY because of the GAMEPLAY. If it had a boring story and absolutely boring gameplay, it would not have won GOTY.

[MysticStrummer]

Ahhh the smell of fanboy BS in the morning. So bitter. Makes me smile every time.

[_Aarix_]

I hated the shooting in Uncharted, it was clunky and annoying even if I was good at it. The fact the Ai say stuff like "YOU LOES!" aggervates the hell out of me, a single player game having trash talk? BS. However, I enjoyed the story and the train was fun as hell but the gunplay and the puzzles SUCKED

/end rant

[OhMyGandhi]

This debate again...

[MiamiACR21]

It's not a debate anymore, it's a running joke that lost it's steam a long time ago.

[WeskerChildReborned]

Solid gameplay is already good but the total package is good graphics, good gameplay, and a good story.

[Imalwaysright]

I would add charismatic characters, soundtrack and game design to that list.

[Yangus]

Absolutely not.Gameplay,game design,content!important!

[Bathyj]

I love good graphics but I think theyre good enough.

I've always said AI is the biggest area for improvement.

Thats why I'm so excited about Last of Us. The graphics have raised the bar yet again, but its the AI looks like a step up from this gen, which has barely progressed this gen at all.

[CouldHaveYelledUiiW]

I am a Nintendo fan - but I watched all Press Conferences and Sony's was the best.

I cracked-up when the crowd cheered during that moment in the Last of Us where the hero was rescued by his sidekick.

I know that cheer was born out of years of frustrating AI in computer controlled sidekicks.

I agree physics and AI are the most under-utilized aspect of every Generation. It seems to be changing (EA's Madden Infinity Engine, Last of Us...)

[ufo8mycat]

No definitely not.

Gameplay gameplay gameplay. Look at games like Just Cause 2 - absolute average graphics but oh my god that game is so fun gameplay wise.

Do graphics enhance the gameplay? Not anymore. The graphics on todays consoles are good enough to the point where a enhanced graphical version of the game wouldn't make any difference.

Take The Witcher 2 for example. Having got the PC version and the 360 version - The PC version looks better (obviously), but I didn't enjoy it more then the 360 version. It was the same level of enjoyment. In fact I started enjoying it on 360 more, but that was mostly because I got further into the game and was getting really interesting.

So to answer the question, no good graphics is not enough, need great gameplay. A game with amazing graphics but boring gameplay will make me switch it off.

And graphics have come to a point where enhancing the graphics for the same game would have hardly any impact on the enjoyment of the game.

[MrMister]

Excellent points, good sir

[Imalwaysright]

I dont expect huge improvements in gameplay either because games are as realistic as they can be. For next gen im only expecting better animations, better A.I. and of course better graphics.

[MysticStrummer]

"And graphics have come to a point where enhancing the graphics for the same game would have hardly any impact on the enjoyment of the game."

I've been saying this for awhile. We've reached a "good enough" point with graphics and other areas need to be improved now. My current example of this is Rage. I picked it up for $20, and I'm blown away by how average and boring it is. I didn't expect that from id, but I find myself turning on the game every other day or so, playing a mission or two, and turning it off out of boredom. It's a nice looking game but just so... damn... boring. The AI is terrible too. I'm on my third playthrough of Dragon's Dogma and still want to play it more than Rage. I'd much rather see improvement in AI next gen than graphics.

[Son_Lee]

Graphics never make a game, but they never hurt a game either. It adds to the immersion the better they are. Gameplay, story, music, etc. will always be more important, though. Always.

[A LIVING LEGEND]

replaces window with clearer glass instead of going outside.
Would rather step outside.
The shift towards better games not necessarily better looking games has begun....don't take my word for it though.

[NovusTerminus]

Yes they are, and the tech it good enough as well. Animation needs more attention though.

Gameplay needs help in this gen though, I am about sick of cut and paste shooters.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

Good graphics aren't enough for a game. Good gameplay and story telling is very important without that the game will suck no matter how pretty it looks.

[AKS]

No, good graphics certainly are not enough. I still occasionally play technically dated games from generations ago, such as Chrono Trigger and Gunstar Heroes, and I have a blast. I NEVER spend my time playing awful games that happen to have good graphics. I have a very decent gaming PC, but my favorite game so far this year has probably been Journey on PSN. Journey is gorgeous, but it's beautiful because of the artistic brilliance and wonderful non-traditional design. I'll take that over the latest AA, AF, ambient occlusion, ect. technologies any day of the week.

I wouldn't mind waiting another couple of years for the next consoles. I'd rather wait a bit and get the most powerful device possible. Currently, I play everything (PC, PS3, 360, & Wii) through my home theater, so optimal settings for me would be 1080p and 7.1 LPCM at the top end. However, when higher definition TVs are released, I'll want gaming platforms that take advantage of the upgrade in technology. We still have a bit of a wait on that I think, so they can take their time on the next consoles as far as I'm concerned. I don't want them to rush anything to market, and a brand new gaming machine is useless unless it has some decent games to play on it.

[GammaSix]

Gameplay obviously is what would make a good game though i do think there should be standard so we dont end up with shoddy framerates and sub HD nonsense

[reznik_zerosum]

if every game from now use only source engine i wouldn't mind

[nik666uk]

Crysis 1 & 2 had terrible gameplay so no!!

[RoyaleWC]

No. Next question.

[schlanz]

Graphics definitely are good enough, but I'm sure there will be another point where we will look back on the graphics of today and think wow... games sure look a million times better now, it's hard to believe this was as good as it could get.

But even though I think graphics are good enough, I would like better performance with regard to framerate, screen tearing, draw distance, texture pop-in, ect.

[Gorbenshore]

good graphics + good gameplay > "who gives" graphics + good gameplay

[Shnazzyone]

Aesthetics > Graphics

[WagFanger]

No, but a lot of the time they do detract from the experience. Wii comes to mind.

[lizard81288]

It seems like these days they are. When a multiplat game comes out, people always talk which version has better graphics, and it better because of that. (PS3 vs 360 games) (PSP vs Vita vs 3DS) Even great games, with great gameplay, but crappy graphics, people will piss and moan about how their eyes will bleed if they look at the game.

I like the game for the gameplay, but I know today, there are alot of graphics whores out there.

[DestinyHeroDoomlord]

Gameplay always beats graphics. I don't remember anyone saying ff13 was a awesome game. Does anyone judge cod4, battlefield2, banjo-kazooie and super smash bros on their graphics? I don't think so...

[PersonMan]

GTA IV running Icenhancer doesn't make the game more fun. Graphics are fine right now and I think we need better, more innovate games like Journey.

[cedaridge]

microsoft & sony sold me on good graphics. so yes graphics alone is not enough but it helps. I want BOTH stellar GRAPHICS and REALISTIC GAMEPLAY. psn; cedaridge / xbl: cedar4Thunder ps LET'S GO THUNDER and bring home our 1st CHAMPIONSHIP!

[turgore]

Graphics are important, but gameplay is even more important. That is why Deus Ex (the original) is still a fun game to this day.
Unfortunately, for next gen I predict very nice graphics but gameplay that is nothing new - just ripoffs.

[Rettom]

Horror games need to have good graphics IMO. Sound is also key. Actually, sound is key to any game in general.

Battlefield 3 with the most epic voice actors ever haha