I think this is an important issue in gaming with the direction the industry seems to be going. I'm curious as to what your thoughts are on this. Do you prefer things to look more realistic or artistic? What games do you consider to be graphical achievements? What games do you consider to be artistic achievements? How about both? What to you is the most visually impressive game on the way right now?
For me, I prefer artistic games. I would consider Halo (and Halo 2) a major graphical achievement and Okami a major artistic achievement. I think Resident Evil 4 is a perfect example of both. To me, the most visually impressive game comming out is Super Smash Bros. Brawl, because it mixes unique artwork with good graphics. This is a topic of opinion, so please don't insult anyone for theirs, or tell them they are wrong.