Do graphics add gameplay?

[vlad321]

d21lewis said:
They definitely add atmosphere. That definitely enhances the experience. I enjoyed Final Fantasy VII, but I think I would've enjoyed it a lot less if I wasn't constantly saying "Holy shit, that was awesome!" during the cinemas and such. I find it impossible to play now.

Question: Do you consider things like multiple enemies onscreen (ie: Dead Rising) or destructable environments (ie: Red Faction or Mercenaries) graphical enhancements? If so, graphics do add gameplay.

 

I don't think those would fall under graphics, so much as under mechanics of a game. The graphicas would be just the polygons and all the special effects they have out right now to make a game look good. If you add those to graphics you'd have to add physics,per-pixel hit detection, AI, etc. and those just arn't graphics.