Some games aren't about gameplay, that's true.
But to say that games in general are not about gameplay is just absurd, and I've played far too many excellent games recently to agree with that statement. BioShock Infinite was certainly about gameplay, as were Mass Effect 3, Far Cry 3, Dishonored, XCOM and Crusader Kings II. That didn't stop them from looking realistic and having good graphics - indeed, with the exception of CK2, I think they are all beautifully designed games.
I'm glad you enjoy Sly 4, and its metascore shouldn't have any effect on your enjoyment of it. But looking at the game's reviews, not one of them says "this sucks, why doesn't it look more like real life" because that would be stupid and nobody thinks that. The criticisms seem to be that the gameplay is outdated, it plays it safe and the dialogue is weak. I don't know if those are right, because I haven't played it, but they have nothing to do with realism and almost everything to do with gameplay.
(Former) Lead Moderator and (Eternal) VGC Detective 
