We want gameplay, not graphics

Every year, there is that game that gamers use as a graphic benchmark. There was Crysis, Uncharted…The list goes on.

I think its time for developers to realize that graphics isn’t everything. Look at Counter Strike, before the graphics update, it wasn’t the prettiest of games, but people played it for the mod support and especially for the gameplay.

[Donny]

and you get both with uncharted 2.

[halojunkie]

dont forget gran turismo 5.. (. ) (. ) cant wait for it! goty!

[T9X69]

GT5 is not going to win GOTY, nor will any racing game for that matter.

EDIT: Sure it does offer a lot but racing games are just not the genre for GOTY. There's to many great games coming out and that are already out that will overshadow GT5 for GOTY. I believe GOTY will end up either being, Mass Effect 2, Red Dead Redemption, or Little Big Planet 2. As much as I love ME2, and RDR, I think LBP2 will take the crown this year, the game just offers so much that no other game can match and its pretty amazing.

hahaha thanks, I love Modnation Racers its a very addicting game. Especially with the creation system :)

[RosoTron36]

You never know man. GT5 offers so much content and features. The quality is definitely there, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a contender.

On a side note: I've seen some of your work in modnation, good stuff man!

Edit: Welcome, good details on cars in Modnation. And I agree LBP2 may win GOTY. If you have a game with such creativity, hell it can probably recreate games you just mentioned in some shape or form. Then yes, it definitely deserves all the glory.

[rockleex]

Why is the Western media so much more focused on the HD consoles rather than the Wii, DS, and PSP?

Truth is, we want BOTH.

And we GET both on the PS3. Some are satisfied with the 360's graphics, but me I personally prefer the PS3's level of graphics.

Crysis was rightfully mentioned in the article, but to say the Uncharted series lack in gameplay is just a straight up lie.

[FURY__UNLEASHED]

Love how Donny got 10 disagrees for stating Uncharted had great gameplay and graphics. Obvious those 10 people are blind 360 fanboys who never even played Uncharted 2.

I guess they came here because they're already bored of Crackdown 2, which is lacking in both categories.

EDIT: Just got this PM from T9X69:

"I disagreed with him because Uncharted 2 gameplay is very generic and gets stale very quickly. No I'm not a "Xbox 360 Fanboy", check my PSN if you don't believe me, the game just wasn't that fun. "

Uncharted 2's gameplay is generic and stale? GTFO!

[rockleex]

The pacing.
The dialogue that moves the story WHILE you play.
The transition between gameplay and cutscenes.
Shooting at enemies while the building you're in collapses and having to time your jump into the next building.
Doing platforming sections while a helicopter comes out of nowhere and starts shooting at you.
And many more unique set pieces.

The reason why Uncharted 2 was praised all around was because it never let any section of gameplay get stale. There's ALWAYS something that comes up and switches the direction of the gameplay into something totally different.

[evrfighter]

"Every year, there is that game that gamers use as a graphic benchmark. There was Crysis, Uncharted…The list goes on. "

Actually

It's always just been Crysis.

When a new game gets released and wants to generate cheap hype. console fanboys still pick Crysis to compare it to...

Crysis was a decent game but that's it. The faster these console fanboys get over this graphics kick their on (I honestly don't even understand it as console games are low-res jaggy messes) then we can finally start next-gen.

[ColdFire]

Hahahaha at disagree's that the benchmark is still crysis :P

[sikbeta]

@SonySoldiers = GreenR = 150 other accounts

What's that Obsession with Tobey Maguire? Hmmm... don't tell me!

O-T
What's this? they don't want "only graphics" and there is a Picture of UC2?

Uncharted 2 is a Beast, it have Everything, from Graphics and Gameplay, all the Games are this Way, stop complaining for no reason...

[gaffyh]

@1.1.5 - Please don't cry, you're making a scene.

On topic - I agree with the article, but Uncharted 2 has amazing graphics and amazing gameplay. I'd say something like inFAMOUS had amazing gameplay but was a little lackluster in the graphics department, but still it's my favourite game this gen. Can't wait for inFAMOUS 2, looks like it will be the complete package just like Uncharted 2 was.

[N4g_null]

To the ps3 fans is there such a thing as an uncharted's speed run? Is it possible to play uncharted better than other players? Does any one play uncharted to keep getting better. If you beat uncharted do you really feel like your a better gamer by the end.

Or do you feel like you just survived just to see the story? In games that are based on game play there is no such thing as a spoiler.

What Sony has is games that want to be movies rather game that can be played for years to come as if you play a great game of poker or chess.

This is why you guys can't under stand Mario 5 players and skill based fps players. If you grew up during the ps years then you have no idea what gaming use to be any the wonder and skill involved.

I think kojimas problem actualy stems from games being made into movies rather than games. Hardcore gamers a devs warned them of this and what they don't understand the hardcore gamers of the past are the same ones how tackle z brush and scripting and every up date with a smile.

I think the industry is lacking these gamers and developers simply because they are hiring poeple that could not stand battle toads or quake 3 and really want to make 2012 the game.

Devs are not done coming up with new game play but it's harder to fight for new things when the gamers want scripted events instead of challeng. Uncharted has some great diehard moments but all in all that chopper should really kick your azz lol that close. Try play any old school game from treasure or even the new sin and pun and you will see why uncharted does not have true game play just hints at it.

I guess it's more about coolness than challeng which puts it in fad territory.

[gaffyh]

@above - Yes, it's called Platinum trophy. And if you think it's THAT easy, it's not. Lazarevic is a bastard on hard mode.

If you want a game with a real challenge, play Demon's Souls, there'e NOTHING like that on any other system this gen.

[nveenio]

I agree that no racing game will ever overshadow the Heavy Rains, God of Wars, Red Dead Redemptions of this year. Shoot, even a game like LBP2 stands little chance against the stronger story-based games.

EDIT: Oh, and Mass Effect 2 was this year, too.

[Heisenberg]

Speak for yourself, visuals are a huge part of gaming, and it actually does very much effect gameplay. It's not one or the other, BOTH are required in this day and age.

[webeblazing]

huh? what this gameplay you want some new gameplay element if so me to cause everything has been the same since 10 yrs. or you saying you want good fun gameplay cause me to lol. i can play a fun game and i cant play a games that just have graphics. now the games i buy is a different story i buy addictive games and a game with an complete package = gfx, gameplay, story, fun. people dont get free games like these websites that review these game so for the normal gamer you gotta work for this dollar if not rent

[nickjkl]

idk would i rather have

tetris or a graphically superior game

[AmazingBrian]

Even though it has been a long time in the making, they didn't even put cockpit view on all of the games cars. It's not going to win GoTY.

[Dee_91]

.

[SupeerSteebbi]

I wan't my game to look beautiful and have amazing gameplay like Uncharted 2.

[HolyOrangeCows]

I hate the media and jealous fanboys who talk like you can't have both.

[Imperator]

Well, you can both on PS3, but on 360 it's mostly just gameplay. and personally, I think both things matter. It's 60/40 (gameplay/graphics)

[N4g_null]

It's not hate maybe it's experience. Uncharted is cool but do you play it every day after you beat it? Is uncharted an addictive game.

When people come over do people yell give me the controller let me show you how this is done? Nope every one will watch and if you die no one will care and every one will say wow that's cool.

Yet from Mario to arcade shooters to brawlers people would folk to play them. Gaming has lots this.

It's been replace with fanboy fights. Oh you guys are just hating. Yet I have to ask you guys howuch you replay some of these games and what about how you play will make some one else want to play?

No one cares about exclusives guys they care about game play. Is it engaging. Or the gamers just pressing button to turn a pages in a short story you really wouldn't have read?

Uncharted has the excitement yet it has no addictive game play hooks.

[Myze]

@scissor_runner

Maybe read some comments from UC2 articles (or try actually playing the game yourself if you haven't). I've lost count of how many times I've seen people saying, along the lines of "Yeah, I wanted to start playing it again right after I beat it" or "I got the platinum trophy but still play it all the time."

Just because maybe YOU don't think the game has the made-up quality of old arcade shooters/brawlers (which, btw, they quit making because no one cares about them anymore, as they were popular because console games were nowhere close to as big as they are now), does not mean that everyone (or even a lot of people) agrees.

[Gr81]

Good gameplay lasts forever, good graphics last until something prettier comes along lol.

A game like Super Metroid, to this day is played with speed runs and the like. Donkey Kong etc. You actually see people playing NSMB Wii or Mario 5 (Malstrom lol)this way. Who plays GTAIV any more? Who plays Uncharted 1 since U2 came out?

I do think one of the problems with this industry is that it is not being true to its identity. Gaming is different than movies in that gaming is interactive.

Ask the average gamer, they don't know about shaders and the rest, and if they do, they largely don't care. I've never had a gamer ask me about a game and say, "how's it look? does it have bloom?" lol.

But I've had people ask "how is that game? is it fun?"

People growing up on the PS era, largely missed out on the arcade era. Its a shame too. People knock the Wii for soccermoms playing it, but before they were soccermoms, they were caders lol. Everyone went to arcades back then.

Many of the games today wouldn't have gotten a second look at the arcades because, there is too much dialogue and not enough action. At least not skill based action. Scripted events. That's why I'm not feeling this gen of interactive movies.

Not my shtick.

[Heisenberg]

You speak as if you're speaking for everyone, and what you're saying is true... Which it is not. Nice try TELLING people how they feel about U2, but you're wrong.

[DigitalRaptor]

and the better the graphics look, the sweeter that gameplay will seem.

Gameplay and graphics go hand in hand. Gameplay is more important, but not so much that it can exist alone.

[mrcash]

uncharted 2 gameplay was decent but not amazing, it was all the pieces together that made it an amazing game over all. "Amazing game"

[PSfan09]

that picture of uncharted better not indicate anything toward the topic

[MariaHelFutura]

Both matter and merge to become an amazing expierence. One important part that alot of games miss IMO is presentation. The presentation can make a huge difference. Games that have great presentation and sets them apart from other titles of the same genre are....Gran Turismo, Team Ico games, Uncharted2, Mario64, Sly Cooper, GOW3 and LBP to name a few, LBP for example IMO is the best tutorial ever made in terms of presentation, the music fits it perfectly and Steven Fry`s voice sets the tone and helps create the "feeling", its perfect. High production value and almost perfect presentation is present in all these games and make them that much better IMO.

[Joule]

sums up just about most ps3 exclusives.

[iamtehpwn]

.

[Sarcasm]

and Killzone 2...
and Killzone 3...
and LBP2...
and The Last Guardian...
and etc.etc.etc.etc.etc.etc.etc.et c.etc.etc.

[ChronoJoe]

LBP isn't exactly pushing any graphical boundaries. lol

Maybe if the topic was 'we want good gameplay, not physics'

[Shang-Long]

it doesnt push it. but with everything that can happen. it looks great.

[kylo12]

Socom was the game that had awesome gameplay and ok graphics. I played 2 & 3/CA to death.

[FACTUAL evidence]

Saying we dont need graphics this gen is like saying the Chicago Bulls didn't need Jordan in 97.

[Headshot81]

"It’s time for developers to make a game not based around graphics, but on gameplay. Actually start making a game character look like he is running, not floating. Create a balanced strategy game. Do anything that makes the gaming experience better. Remove lag. There are many things that can make a game better, and we all know, graphics isn’t that".

KZ2 MP does this already, and the icing on the cake is that its the best looking FPS on consoles to date.

[BattleAxe]

If graphics isn't a concerne, then I would probably buy a Halo game, Crackdown 2 or Alan Wake.

[IgnorantRabbit]

Well then your just a person missing out on good games. Alan Wake is a fairly good game that got hype on the internet but not with anyone else. Crackdown 2 is just plan fun and Halo is a very well balanced game unlike top sh*t shooters like call of duty.

[Folezicle]

You need to play Alan Wake first mate.. That game has beautiful scenery, it probably is an exception

[RageAgainstTheMShine]

Amen! Uncharted 2 nailed both gameplay and graphics perfectly and smoothly.

[JsonHenry]

I want both.

[Darkfiber]

Sure, to the extent that Uncharted 2 HAS gameplay in it, but it ends about there. There's nothing special about it that sets it apart from any other third person shooter or platformer. Any idiot can see that it has very generic gameplay, exactly the same as in 500 other titles out there, and if you disagree, then you must be a very special kind of idiot.

[Inside_out]

People want both and that is why MW2 is the biggest thing since slice bread. The best games this gen have a combination of great graphics and great game play. Halo, Gears and COD are at the top of the list and deservedly so. They outsell the pretenders with there pre-rendered graphics and terrible game play by millions and millions. That's the way it should be. the casual gaming market is really picking up steam and effecting the good games.

For example...UC 2 has cleaned up the awards from gaming media BUT the gaming community is not fooled by this nonsense. MW2 launched a month after UC 2 and has been largely ignored by the gaming media even though the game out sold UC 2 by a margin of 7 to 1. Millions and MILLIONS of gamers have spoken with there wallets and it was great to see. UC 2 is a casual game, chosen by gaming media as the poster boy for video games. It's sugar and spice and everthing nice childrens game. MW2 had the airport scene that freaked everybody out and has basically been black balled because of it. Don't tell the millions that play it everyday on line. They see right thru the scam.

The Nintendo Wii has the worst graphics and yet it's games sell very well. The Wii crowd could care less about graphics. I have a Wii as well as a PS3. The Wii is well made and works very well BUT the game play is the same from one game to the next and after 20-30 mins, you've seen all there is to see in whatever game you are playing with a few exceptions.

Here's the ultimate game play and graphics...all in real time.

[NYPunkster]

And you and I both know that if the Xbox could reproduce the same level of graphics that the PS3 can this wouldn't be an issue.

[Immortal321]

I want both gameplay and graphics.

not only that I also want a great story and slick animation.

when it comes to gaming, I don't want peace of the pie, I want the whole thing.

step your game up fool.

[Spenok]

Took my words.

[cjflora]

I got as far as "graphics isn’t everything" and then stopped reading. I won't read it if you can't write it.

[JAMurida]

@Donny

I laughed when I read the topic to this article and it showed a picture of Uncharted 2.

Moving along....

[HaVoK308]

UC2? Yeah...I played it. Loved it. Many months ago. I have played many other games recently that are just appealing to me visually. Of course I have the added benefit of playing any game I wish at any time. I am bound by no false loyalties to billion dollar companies. Of course I have commonsense and a rational mentality. Oh...and I play games for fun not justification.

[IcarusOne]

.

[IcarusOne]

Uncharted was fun, but its graphics and sound were the best parts, not its gameplay. I never felt that Drake controlled particularly well and I've never gone back to replay it. inFamous is my hands-down favorite PS3 game so far.

[C0MPUT3R]

...................
.
Brilliant Devs give you both, as long as the hardware allows.
.
..................

[Anorexorcist]

graphics aren't sh*t (and 3D gaming is nothing but a gimmick. Riiiiiight! Just like Blu-Raaaaaaaaay!!!). Well so what? PS3 exclusives bring graphics along with the gameplay!!!

So hate on the PS3 as long as you f'n want, it has all categories in check!!!

[DontShoot-Me-Bro]

We GET gameplay and graphics.

Only possible on PS3!

[IcarusOne]

Whatever helps you sleep at night...

[Moonboots]

For $50/$60 a game I really want both.

But gameplay > graphics at the end of the day for most gamers I know.

[shoddy]

ff13 is a good example of good graphic, but bad gameplay make this game a lil disapointed. you need both.

those who say graphic isn't should stick with snes or xbox 1.
or get the Wii.

[Imalwaysright]

The only reason i bought a PS3 is because the games i wanted to play werent being made for the PS2. Graphics are not as important as gameplay, and never will be.

I dont play games to stare at them, i play games to have fun. If you dont believe me turn on your PC start crysis on max settings and just stand there looking at it for 1 hour without playing it and then come tell me how fun that was.

[moparful99]

Dude really? Yea you may have bought a ps3 because those games werent available for ps2 but you honestly can't tell me that you would go back after playing high definition games. I know I can't...

[ranmafandude]

for a $60 game it has to be really good for me to buy it. i think the only game i was most disappointed with this gen that i payed full price for was final fantasy 13. all graphics that's about it.

[Nike]

I agree that some developers ignore gameplay mechanics to focus on nice graphics, but for the most part, "nice graphics" is pretty subjective. Uncharted 2 and Crysis look amazing and have good graphics but just because Okami and Shadow of the Colossus use different art styles and have PS2 visuals, doesn't mean they don't have great graphics either.

Games will always be used as benchmarks for other games. And because so many games are usually run-of-the-mill "me-too's", comparing it to more high profile releases and "graphical beasts" makes it easy to explain why they aren't that great (because they fall short of what some of the giants have achieved). IMO, i'm pretty sure this practice was started by game magazine reviewers with limited word space but now the "better graphics" debate has become a cash cow for hits through screenshot comparisons, video comparisons, "analyses", etc. in this fanboy dominated era of global public forums.

[5yN4MWQU]

This looks like a rip-off of my article from several weeks ago...

http://gamersnexus.net/feat...

[omodis420]

Rofl!!! Nice way to plug your own article.

[zerocool3397]

Too many devs are making short good looking games, they should be making games with replay value

[Unicron]

Define replay value though? A tacked on MP mode like Bioshock 2 which no one will play?

Harder modes? Secrets? Achievements/Trophies? People STILL complain that there isn't enough value in a 10 - 15 hour adventure game. Devs just can't win it seems.

[chak_]

make it replayable 1 more time and you get a 30h game =)

different path/caracter customisation/good or evil...

many things

[Unicron]

Chak, sadly you'll STILL have people whine and say it's not enough. For instance, Infamous's good/evil track. I thought it was great. For many, they felt it wasn't.

[Gun_Senshi]

Demon's Soul

[garos82]

uncharted 2 ive finished it 3 times and spent countless hours online.
controls were fluid, graphics were sleak and gameplay was second to none for me when it was released.since its release there has only been 2 games that can match it in terms of gameplay for me. ssf4 and demon souls

[coolasj]

That likes to talk for everyone. Its not that I disagree with " Us " but I hate " Us " being misrepresented.

[Uzesgelen_Goo]

they should just type their site instead "we" or "us" words

[Kakihara]

I honestly don't mean to be 'that guy' but seriously, if you want to be respected as a real gaming journalist you need to learn to write. I can stand a few spelling mistakes here and there but this piece reads like it was written by a twelve year old boy.

"I think its time for developers to realize that graphics isn’t everything."

Should read 'graphics aren't everything'.

"Gamers on the PC have had it worst then console gamers."

'Have had it worse than'.

"Every year there is a new game engine that talks about its pretty features, but you never hear a gameplay enhancement."

This is just a mess. It reads as if you're implying the game engine itself talks about it's own pretty features and like you're expecting to hear the sound of a graphical enhancement itself rather than hearing about one.

I'm honestly not trying to be mean here. I'm trying to help you out. If you don't care that your piece reads more like the words of any random 12 year old gamer on the Internet than a professional article that's fine but if you're trying to become a 'real writer' you need to learn to write a little better.

[cmrbe]

Yeah. Lets all pretend that we are fine playing with pong graphics in this day and age.

Call me greedy but i want everything.Its the least i should get for buying games at $60 a pop.

[Ri0tSquad]

We've seen games focus primarily on gameplay and still fail in sales and reviews.

[ChronoJoe]

Graphics enhance levels of immersion. Immersion directly enhances gameplay experience.

Besides, both UC2 and Crysis 2 have pretty good gameplay. The only real bad thing on Crysis's part would be the AI.

[HaVoK308]

You played Crysis 2? Really?

[LEO_cst]

you can't just get away with shitty graphics... it's 2010!

[ApocalypseShadow]

none of the gamers here would be playing ps3,360 or wii,if it wasn't for graphics.we'd all still be playing atari.

only when ps3 started pulling away in graphics like WE ALL SAID IT WOULD......just like SONY SAIDS IT WOULD.....

now we get articles about "gameplay" and "7 out of 10 is fine" or "it still didn't sell this amount of millions day one" or "we still got more games because 360 launched first."

we're all fricken "GAMERS" playing "GAMES" because we like "***GAME***PLAY."

we can all comment all day.ps3 leads in graphics on consoles.

get over it.

[Pistolero]

i agree graphics and gameplay are important...but i would say that gameplay and story are more important than graphics...make sure your game has great gameplay and story, then if you can make it look awesome...great.

the ps3 doesn't lead in graphics...the 360 lead for a while then the ps3 lead for a while and now with gears of war 3, rage and crysis 2 the 360 has games that look as good or better than uncharted 2.
it is obvious to anyone with eyes that the 360 and ps3 are pretty much equal.

[madjedi]

Yeah but that is subjective to the genre, the art style and the user as well, there aren't really any extremes between gameplay and graphics.

No one is playing pong at incredibly high resolution, then turning around and playing a call of duty game with atari graphics. People need to stop talking as though graphics and gameplay are so different.

Either last guardian or killzone 3 or another sony exclusive will most likely take uc2 place as the graphics benchmark for those games to compare to.

I thought once uncharted 1 came out, sony ran with the benchmark and never looked back, when did ms get it.

Now as for you expecting gears 3, rage or crysis 2, to matching uc2, there is a problem besides 2 of the games being multiplatform uc2 will be an old standard.

No it doesn't, since none of those games are even out yet, let alone have gone gold, nor can you state thats as a fact, since you have yet to see the final build.

"It is obvious to anyone with eyes that the 360 and ps3 are pretty much equal." Clearly you have not seen sony's 1st party studios 1uping each other since uncharted 1 came out and even alot of multiplatform games.

Microsofts exclusives on the other hand have not grown by same leaps and bounds graphically as sony has. We are discussing graphics here after all.

[moparful99]

Gears 3 looks good but superceding uncharted 2? As far as best graphics this generation uncharted 2 has that crown. Looking into the future gran turismo 5 is seriously looking insane. Nothing on the 360 can match the kind of fidelity on display in these two games alone. Mass effect 2 is the best looking game on the 360 and is very close to uncharted 2 but not quite. Ps3 has the graphics department on lock and the 360 continues to fall behind in that regard..

[ApocalypseShadow]

most ps3 fans love story,replay value,extra content,etc.

but now that ps3 is whooping that @ss in graphics,now we get stories on...

"is uncharted over rated?"

"we want gameplay over graphics."

we didn't hear these articles when 360 released.only when ps3 hit another level,now we get all this nonsense.and what picture do they use,typically it's a ps3 exclusive title.

i'm just calling out the nonsense as i see it.

[HarryM]

Awww, I was totally loving the comment up until you ruined it by saying:

"ps3 leads in graphics on consoles.

get over it."

[Jacobite]

@ HarryM sure your not a tad bias against the PS3 lol beginning to wonder :)

[Styile]

Hated FF13 because I felt like it was mostly about the graphics......and cut scenes.

[hoops]

Why not having both?

[Masta Kaos]

We want both.......I cnt play a game with whack graphics or a game with a stiff gameplay. I want both

[MorganX]

That's what's wrong with games. Resolutionitis. Doesn't necessarily look better. Remember VGA images? Lower resolution than EGA but more colors made it photo-realistic. Game artists are less creative thanks to high res. That's also why you have to have a top-end PC to get console class game performance.

True artists need colors and textures, not 1920x1200+ resolution.

[chak_]

agree, i'll take 100% of the time gameplay over graphics.

playing gothic 3 atm, it's not beautifull, but it kicks ass !

[49erguy]

Why not both? Like a woman that's beautiful on the inside AND out. B O T H

[shoddy]

ps3 = quality.

[Playerz8]

People may say that gameplay is more important, but if a game that played great but looked like crap, it would not sell and everyone would bitch about it.

[Ludakriss]

I just read the TITLE of the article. But god damn! Who the fuck in their right mind would want that in the supposedly NEXT GENERATION of gaming. I don't think there should even be a distinction between the two. Maybe it's asking for much, but the why hype this, CURRENT generation?

[RagTagBnd445]

It is funny that he use Uncharted and Crysis as examples, as they both got good gameplay too.

[LoLZoRz]

why are they using Uncharted 2 picture?
It has GP,graphics,story everything.
Im still playing it online everyday

[snp]

Thing i miss most - which imo has gone backwards (even among the better games) - is story/dialogue.

I see very little on any platform these days which competes with the Lucasarts graphics adventures in days of old. Day of the Tentacle, Secret of Monkey Island, Grim Fandango (and some Sierra stuff - eg. Gabriel Knight).

Get back that level of quality writing, creativity - and less of the alien infestation and space marines drivel (have their place, but atm it's too much of a place) - and i doubt we'll see so many 'video games can't be art' type articles to.

I was playing Final Fantasy 13 the other day... Christ! Dialogue, characterisation etc (all and any of that stuff) - just embarrassing. Visually spectacular cut scenes and very pretty colours, but.. ewww, just cringe worthy otherwise. (unless it's just that i'm just getting too old, but i don't think i'm viewing the adventure games of old through tinted glasses - i'm sure they were just plain much smarter than most recent stuff).

[jneul]

you are right about FF13 sadly, but games like uncharted 2 have shown how to have a good story, gameplay and graphics, I just wish SE could have taken a leaf out of some of Sony's dev's, oh btw even WKC has a better story even if it is a slightly cheesy one, I advise everyone who love's JRPG's and MMO styled games to at least rent WKC out, it's a brilliant game worthy of 8.5/10

[asdf12]

No, we want both.

[rlm42]

I see it everyday Sony fanboys downgrade 360 games such as Halo 3 and Gears for their graphics when clearly they have some of the best gameplay seen this Gen and of all time for their categories. It's obvious Sony/PS3 fanboys only care about graphics.

[Ravage27]

how exactly are those games 'superior' in gameplay?

The rodent run? Or maybe it's the generous helping of autoaim?

Games with both gameplay and graphics will always be better than those that are lacking either

[webeblazing]

the thing that set those two above the rest is splitscreen every thing else been there done that. mostly everything been done i want some body to list these gameplay features thats so great with the top games this gen

[sanshatak]

now everybody is crying for gameplay,but everybody DOES care for graphics more,look at bulletstor a game thats gonna be awsome in section of gameplay but in the latest preview of the game in n4g,there are 3 comments wherease u will se 100 of comments in infamouses as its gonna have good graphics,dont lye to yourselfs,i myself care for both.and u better check bulletstorm if u think u care about graphics,now almost everybody in n4g care about graphics and exclusives just to show whose console is better

[Skizelli]

Now? This is an age old argument.

[TheOtherSide]

We want BOTH, I want BOTH, every one wants both even the ones that are not aware of that :)

[chak_]

I'll rephrase then.

If devs are given a limited amount of time or money, I'd rather see them concentrate their resources and time on gameplay rather than graphics :)

[Uzesgelen_Goo]

then those games should be on psn/xbl/pc

[Figboy]

it really is.

some of the best games of all time were not only praised for their awesome game play, but their excellent visuals.

people forget that Super Mario Bros. 3, Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil 4, etc, were considered graphical benchmarks/technical showpieces at the time. the game play also happens to be classic and praised endlessly.

personally, i don't see graphics and game play as being mutually exclusive.

video games are a VISUAL MEDIUM, hence, the "Video" part of "video games." we are drawn to impressive visuals, and we stay for impressive game play.

Uncharted 2 isn't awesome because it's JUST amazing visuals. it's awesome because Naughty Dog married the visuals and the game play in a way that you literally, couldn't have one without the other. Uncharted 2 blurs the line between it's visual presentation, and it's game play. it's one of the best examples of what this medium is truly capable of in terms of a narrative intertwined with game play.

personally, i've been playing video games since they looked like THIS:

http://selectstartgames.fil...

NOW, i get games that look like THIS:

http://gamernode.com/upload...

so, what does this old timer have to say about people that want games to regress? FUCK YOU.

i've been waiting my ENTIRE GAMING LIFE for games like Uncharted 2.

i had to stretch my imagination to try and pretend that the blocks i was moving across the screen were people like Mario, Luigi, and Pitfall Harry.

now i get the equivalent of a big budget blockbuster movie in interactive form, with better writing and character development than said blockbuster movies.

i used to dream of what gaming would be like in the future when i was 6 years old in 1985, playing the hell out of Super Mario Bros. on the NES, and even i couldn't have imagined that THIS is what we'd be enjoying, 25 years later.

i'm 31 now, and this is gaming. i'm in absolute heaven. and considering that, if you've been paying attention, some of the BEST games this generation have had both game play AND graphics (Gears of War, Mass Effect, MGS4, Uncharted, Killzone, Ratchet, Super Mario Galaxy, etc), i don't see what the problem is.

i can have BOTH. so i'll take BOTH. i don't know what pretty games that suck this article writer has been playing, but I CERTAINLY haven't been wasting my time on games lacking in the game play and graphics.

[theonlylolking]

You speak the truth. If you can have both give us both!

[tracerBullet]

you might as well just close this article to comments. This guy's argument is the end-all truth.

[steve30x]

I agree with that article. What we are seeing more lately is graphics more than gameplay. Games only have 8 hours gameplay most of the time these days where I would like double that.

[Z777]

it is understandable that games like counterstrike were good in terms of gameplay but not in graphics but do not forget that-that was generations ago when graphics really did not matter. WELCOME TO THE NEXT GENERATION where graphics DO matter, and infact every ps3 game that i have seen that has extreme graphics, gow3,killzone 2, uncharted 1 and 2 etc... all have MAD gameplay, not to mention those game are created by talented game devs... SO... DO NOT STAY STUCK IN THE PAST! Graphics is the newest thing in gaming so get used to it! by the way, if that is the case then well, halo was a fun ass game but the graphics sucked, haha does that hurt ur feelings?

[s45gr32]

I want the whole experience, graphics, content, gameplay, atmosphere, presentation, and if applicable story. Which is what PS3 exclusives got.

[chak_]

some people should talk to dwarf fortress' fans =)

[phatak]

we do want graphics. obviously gameplay is important but just imagine super mario galaxy 2 on ps3 or final fantasy 7 on ps3? It would be awesome. if gameplay was the only thing that mattered we would still be playing atari 2600 and systems like the nes. graphics also depend on the game. imo I dont mind mario on a wii because the game is not meant to be a technical showpiece. but for a game like metroid or 007 I rather play it on a ps3 than a wii because it is supposed to look gud

[Why o why]

....If MS pulled its finger out and improved the quantity AND quality of their 1st party squad. Im not saying the 360 cant compete im just saying that MS would rather spend on timed and timed dlc than funding the means in which they could try to compete. Im sure a Naughty Dog, Santa Monica or Gorilla Games would do well for the 360 especially since the 360 is 'easier to dev on'...Too bad Ms doesn't care enough about competing in those regards.

Like ive always said. When gears 1 and bioshock were the graphical kings of the console world, these articles didint exist and 360 fans AND fanboys were lording the fcuk outta their graphics AND gameplay...what gives huh. Sony have shown and proved since....I know it pisses some off like an annoying little brother but its the truth. Sonys 1st/2nd party squad have pushed the graphical boundaries without neglecting gameplay.

[darren_poolies]

Yeh how about both? There are plenty of games out there that do both very very well. Uncharted 1, 2, Mass Effect 2, God of War III, Assassins Creed 2, Infamous, just to name a few.

[omodis420]

If that passes for an article then I am the greatest writer alive.

[theonlylolking]

Graphics immerse you into the game. You probably wont be as into some games if they look bad. Just think if heavy rain looked like super mario 64 would you still have that same felling of realism and immersion? NO, same with Uncharted 2 and others.

Graphics are just as important as gameplay.

[suckerpunch]

"Graphics are just as important as gameplay"

my friend you are stupid. i'll take AI and animation over graphics anyday because i probably busy doing and performing actions, thinking to solve puzzles and killing enemies 90% of the time in games.

Heavy rain is not a game...and it's as slow and as boring as shit. i will go so far to curse heavy rain to fail (which it didn't due to rabib ps3 fanboys who only love to stare at pretty pictures) and wish this kind of games never come out again.

good graphics is a bonus to fantastic gameplay my friend.....you can't play graphics !

[suckerpunch]

and maybe some dumbass pc fanboys as well.

Super mario galaxy 1 & 2.....Zelda twillight princess.....
PWN

[Imalwaysright]

Bubbles

[jneul]

oh how the tables have turned now that PS3 that have games that do graphics, gameplay and story really well like uncharted 2, now hear certain fans complaining bu bu but why can't we have more games which focus on gameplay, where their history focused on bashing ps3 and the graphical differences of certain multiplatform games, the moral of the story is karms has now hit you all back, and now we have games that only do everything thanks to ps3

[N4g_null]

What happened to pleasing more people? It's obvious that every one doesn't out right hate Sony they are not quite like ms yet they need to become more of what sega lost or more of what nintendo has. I'm not exactly crazy about cute graphic but I'll be there if the game play is there.

Many gamers are like this. You guys forget the ps1 and two had some of the worst graphic yet fun games and they where not a 3rd person or fps or sims.

Then you guys can not understand why some games can sell so much. You guys just like Sony and ms don't really understand game play and why we could still keep play a 10 old game.

Just shouting the ps3 has this suddently makes you look new to gaming. Try beating some team in quake wars, go and beat red steel 2, try beating sin and pun 2 on normal, try beating bwii wars, or excite truck, try beating the 200 level ping pong players in resort or try beating the samurai show down in that same game or Mario 5 or jungle beat or ikarugi or any thing on the vc.

Please realized that arcade gaming also died when it started creating graphic gamers only. The same happened on pc.

Sure you guys love what your getting yet can you really say if gaming stopped right now and you had no more new games could you play your collection till you die and be satisfied.

Many are not satisfied and the same people you are calling haters could be new ps3 owners if Sony would make some thing for them.

Most true hardcore gamers don't even waste time arguing online any more because they see your cycle which eventually has you giving up on gaming and moving on to some thing else like sports fan activities.

This is partially the industries fualt for giving into the acclaim like gamers and the new ps gen gamers. I also blame the popularization of dumbed down online fps just to get the noobs to play. Which are actualy casual gamers.

I think it will fix it self in the end though. More and more gamers will leave this gen. Ps3 will hit it's wall really soon if it has not in the perception of gamers yet. The new batch of engines prove that much.

[coolbeans]

You're basically an online advirtisement for PS3 aren't you? I've failed to see a PS3 exclusive that has those 3 you mentioned since MGSIV.

[vsr]

Please only play Wiisports games, If you don't want graphics & cutscenes

[R_aVe_N]

I want both what the heck are you talking about!

[Caffo01]

i want both!

[BillOreilly]

as long as its hd im happy 360 ps3 are fine i care about gameplay and story ex. lost odessey, alan wake, mass effect, mgs4, all have great graphics, fun gameplay, and fantastic stories best of the best in my opinion

[TwistedMetal]

with wii you just get gameplay
with the x360 you get niether. just a bunch of shooters and hype so everyone can think they are apart of something when they aint. Yall aint gamers bro go play another shooter. Yall forgot what games are and 4 halo games on the x360 alone aint games.

[3sq]

Then buy an Atari 2600.

[Xfanboy]

I want better graphics better gameplay!!!!

[xX TriiCKy Xx]

I want graphics and gameplay. If I had one or the other, I wouldn't even like the game.

[J-Smith]

PS3

[N4g_null]

I see alot of people saying you want booth. Then you guys list a bunch of exclusives. So tell me how does an exclusive mean better game play and why havnt these ps exclusive been praised for their game play? It's only a back seat to graphics.

None of you can explain why your game is addictive other than atmosphere. I'm not saying this to put uncharted down this is one thing ps3 exclusives are missing. You are not drawn to play them.

Consoles did not need feature lists to get gamers to buy them all they needed was game play.

If you took a time machine from the time of the nes to now you would say most of these games where made by pc developers but it's just console devs trying follow pc devs.

Truthfully there isn't much addicting game wise about pc gaming except for a few games which is why fps dominated gaming now.

Seriously when you list your exclusives why don't more games make the list ps3 fans? If uncharted really played everyday?

This whole thing reminds men of honors vs spawn toys. Sure the spawn toys are great but can kids really play with them like gijoes, I don't thinks so yet if you don't know the difference it will be hard for you to have the same problem.

[ATi_Elite]

Arma 2 Stalker Series Half Life 2 Series Battlefield Series and anything from Bioware are games that give you top notch graphics along side excellent game play.

[coolbeans]

This is pretty much why Uncharted 2 is the most overrated game of this gen. Whatever few, new gameplay elements it brings are unpolished. I guess going ga-ga over gfx got the best of them.

[EvilBlackCat]

Can somebody name me an original game play feature from uncharted 1 and 2?

[coolbeans]

I don't remember another game that allowed you to get your shirt wet. Seems like something simplistic but I enjoyed it. I personally don't think you need an original gameplay feature to have the score that it does have, as long as it's executed right.

The animations are all well done but the gameplay has its problems that weigh it down (bad stealth, very bad at tight shooting, not that many new weapons or combat ideas). Still a great game (Uncharted series might duke it out with Jak and Daxter for fav. ND series) but not thatgood.

[jalen247]

If you want gameplay and graphics look no further than GOW III. Kratos doesn't disappoint. Best graphics and gameplay so far this gen.

[MorganX]

I disagree. As a button masher, I haven't been able to finish GOW III. Booring. Unlike the best button masher this gen, Heavenly Sword. The graphics were above average but I didn't see anything the Xbox couldn't do. Don't know that the Xbox could do Heavenly Sword. PS3 barely could, would love to see it optimized and re-released with trophies.

Uncharted 2 lived up to the hype, graphic, animation, and voice acting wise. The game, had its share if areas of improvement, but they all do. GOW III left me feeling it was waaaaaay overrated.

[bjornbear]

because if you button mash on titan mode, you won't get past the first 15 minutes.

GOWII DOES have strategy, if you haven't managed to figure one out for your style of play thats not the game's fault. But the quick change between weapons, and combos can lead up to 200x if you know what you are doing (hence the 1000x combo trophy)

it is NOT a button masher, only on medium and easy difficulty, but tbh, who the hell settles for that? i did medium so i would enjoy the story and experience, but then instantly started titan to do it in a CHALLENGING manner, and it gets serious.

I was about to reply to jalen to say GOWIII is probably the most "cinematic" hack&slash in the sense that, when you pull off good combo's, and play well, it actually looks amazing and entertaining because its so fluid.

morganx, i advice you to give it a go on titan mode and sharpen those GOWIII skills

[tracerBullet]

I agree with this guy... as long as the graphics are good enough to tell the difference between something like a ball and somebody's head, i'm happy. The gameplay on the other hand needs to be good and exciting!

[bjornbear]

most games I have are primarily due to their high quality gameplay, but of course there are always visual gems (Res evil 5, uncharted 1 & 2, KZ2, GOWIII, RDR, valkyria chronicles, dead space, etc)

we are just lucky that many great games this gen DO look REALLY good.

however I agree, just because a game isn't a graphics kind it doesn't at all mean its a bad game, quite the opposite
*goes play S.T.A.L.K.E.R in medium settings xD*

[troll]

Developers, can I please have some more gameplay? Really, I'm begging you.

Simplifying =/= Less options

EDIT: And Stalker is quite good.

[Homegamer]

I agree with uncharted 2 cause it delivers great graphics and great gameplay in one game the problem is, is that after they make the graphics pretty they say "don't worry they won't pay attention the gameplay which is crap they'll just be all ohhh...ahhh" thats what I like about uncharted 2 because you can tell they really put time into making a better sequel better gameplay better storytelling and some awesome multiplayer

[TheLeprachaun]

Why the hell are people posting comments like "We GET gameplay and graphics. Only possible on PS3!" and "yep we need quality. ps3 = quality.". This article wasn't even about comparing ps3 and xbox 360. I have both consoles and like both but I swear some of the ps3 fanboys on here are plain retarded. At least the xbox fanboys are just trolling, the ps3 ones are dead serious.

[cavado]

what exactly is wrong with uncharted 2 game play jumping from train cart to train cart while a helicopter fires rockets are you wasn't enough?

[dhall1989]

wtf is this guy saying? Uncharted 2 is one of the best games of all time that is asociated with the Playstation brand.Either he is flamebaiting or really doesnt't know what he is talking about.

[coolbeans]

I'm scared to see if this is how even a big minority of gamers think. You're closer to know what you're talking about when it comes to gameplay if you don't think U2 has great gameplay. Sorry to break it to you.

[Newport1991]

I WILL PLAY ANY GAME AS LONG AS THE GAMEPLAY IS GOOD THAT WAT REALLY MATTERS

[Monk3y]

point was to have good gameplay,not awesome replay value -.-

[Blaine]

Blog fails. Period.

Gameplay doesn't sell. Graphics do. Then gameplay hooks you. Real gamers are able to see beyond graphics when we purchase a game, but that's because we're informed--we walk into the store and we know what to get and what to avoid, despite the pretty packaging. An uninformed gamer will walk into the store, look at the back of the case, and choose the game with the best looking thumbnails.

Devs will flaunt their graphical upgrades the most to capture these uninformed gamers. Put yourself in their shoes: you don't know which games are good, will you pick the one with the dated graphics or the one with the cutting edge visuals? Cutting edge, for sure, hoping that the rest of the game is as good. Doesn't mean they're not doing the best they can to improve the gameplay too--and that's what informed gamers know.

[PhantomT1412]

I want Gameplay AND Graphics.
My philosophy:
In video games, graphics and gameplay share the same importance as
Video=Graphics
Game=Gameplay

[El-Fenemeno1213]

Me too, but Uncharted 2 was a package of both

[Gun_Senshi]

I want Gameplay AND graphics

[sonicriderZG8]

How are you going to list Uncharted 2, a game that has won multiple Game of the Year awards, as a "we want gameplay not graphics" dilema when Uncharted is ultimately a fun game? It's fun and graphically superior to most out there in the industry. I also find it odd how they listed Crysis 2, but the game isn't even out yet. How can these games be listed?

They contradict everything the article is trying to prove.

Besides, we can all agree that graphics do enhance gameplay experiences.

[mcnablejr]

i'd have bought it.

[Solid Wolf]

It doesen't matter to me whether the graphics aren't the most realistic or colorful you'll ever see, they just have to make sure they give me good gameplay and replay value for my money. Killzone 2 did it for me. :D

[NateDPG]

Well it's not just about graphics, but it's better to have both, graphics and gameplay. Uncharted has it.

[Skizelli]

I think a lot of gamers want graphics over anything else for the wrong reasons, much like how certain stereotypes want a badass looking car, regardless of how it performs. To impress or boast about, in other words.

[vader1231231]

Hah I could've predicted the fantards would somehow bring UC 2 into this w/out actually discussing the article lol.

[kesvalk]

it's strange... last year ppl was saying the exact oposite...

funny humans...