Why do graphics matter?

[sc94597]

MikeB said:
Graphics are IMO very important, good graphics (high quality art and good effects) and audio (high quality music and good sound effects) help to add greatly to the experience. Our eyes and ears are the most important sensory organs with which we experience games or movies.

Imagine an epic movie like Lord of the Rings in bad recording quality and black & white colors, bad special effects, bad audio quality, etc. this would dampen quite a bit of my enthusiasm for this movie.

Sure excellent gameplay/design + excellent story telling + mediocre graphics + mediocre sound > mediocre gameplay + mediodre story telling + excellent graphics + excellent sound

But excellent gameplay/design + excellent story telling + excellent graphics + excellent sound = IMO the far more excellent game!

Luckily the best games usually also get the proper treatment to push graphics and audio up there to match the gameplay/design and story.

I don't agree with some who seem to claim 3D graphics are superior to 2D graphics by default. A 3D or semi-3D approach usually allows for far more artistic freedom, but it still takes talent to really hit the nails.

I think this is the best answer so far. It answers my question, without attacking my opinion, and it has some pretty good points. This only works for games that are trying to utilize high visuals imo though. Alot of games don't need this to reach their target visually.