Well it really depends on what people consider a long time gamer.
Some will say they are a long time gamer and only be in their teens... I think at least 20 Years of gaming (That means about 25 Years old + minimum) can be classified as a long time gamer.
It just so happens I fall into the long time gamer category as I have been playing since about 5 (Possibly younger) and I'm an '81' baby. Almost 22 years of gaming.
I like my graphics. It really annoys me when a Dev doesn't put much effort into a games graphics because it's - 'all about the gameplay'. Some games can get away with it but most are just an excuse.
On the other side, Graphics mean absolutly nothing if I pick up a game and put it back down 5 minutes latter because it's got crappy gameplay.
Now I like my Wii as I personally don't mind the graphics on the 'Reasonably good' games I have for it. The main issue I have is that almost all the other games have sub-par graphics AND crappy gameplay which really put nintendo to shame.
360 and PS3 have the opposite problem, while having a number of great games, they mostly have great graphics with sub-par games. (My opinion).
Unfortunatly for Nintendo though, I'm more then likely going to be spending a large portion of my gaming $$$ on either a 360 or PS3 (haven't decided), instead of purchasing more Wii games. (Unless in the near future the high quality game library for Nintendo goes acceptionally upwards).
So anyway, to answere your question as a self proclaimed long time gamer, Graphics in the end mean squat if a game is bad but can actually make the difference if the gameplay AND graphics are both great.
It's me... no really, it IS me!!!
