Why are reviewers putting so much emphasis on story rather than gameplay/replayability?

[JamesGoblin]

AZWification said:

It depends.. If a certain game focuses more on story ( or the story is as important as the gameplay), then the game should definitely be criticised if it doesn't a good job in that department. That's not the case for something like Mario or Rayman of course.

Yep, as simple as that. Also, I'd say that OP is overstating (a bit...) with "reviewers putting so much emphasis...", I don't see it being the case too often.