The graphics, obviously; a game needs to have top notch graphics in order to be truly immersive.Why do you think the gaming industry is stronger than it ever has been in the past? People vote with their wallets: they might say that they want gameplay, but their actions contradict their words; it's clear that graphics are what really matters.
When a new generation of consoles come out, what do people argue over? That's right: which has the best graphics!
When a hyped game comes out, what's the worst flaw it can have? Disappointing graphics.
Why did FF13 have no towns? Because the developers recognised that it was best to compromise gameplay in order to make sure that the graphics didn't suffer. It's better to have a linear world that looks good and is immersive than a bigger one that looks like garbage because there wasn't enough time to give enough attention to all the scenes.
Graphics are what matters most. Devs know it. The media knows it. And deep down, the fans know it.
