What Does Graphics Give You?

[Professor S]

Graphical quality is an often maligned aspect of the gaming world by those that consider themselves "hardcore". They look on those that demand high graphical quality as "newbs" and even whores, selling their standards for a pretty face.

But then again, what is the first thing we all do when an upcoming game is previewed? We post screenshots. So this begs the question, exactly how important is gameplay?

Well, I will counter with a hard and firm "It depends" Meaning: it depends on what kind of game it is.

Look at a game like Super Mario 3. Graphically, its ancient, but yet its still considered a masterpiece because of how engaging the gameplay is. But before using this as an endall, we also have to consider how gameplay and graphics complement each other. In SM3, the graphics were perfect for the game. There was no need for realism in a game that has a flying plumber bounding from cloud to cloud. It was a cartoon-like game with cartoon-like graphics. Nothing more was neceesary or wanted.

Now lets attempt to take that same formula to a game such as Total War. This is a game that THRIVES on realism, and demands a higher graphical quality.

http://pcmedia.ign.com/pc/image/article/711/711054/medieval-ii-total-war-20060602104030665.jpg

I can feel the horses charging in the screenshot. WiEven when the series was sprite-based on a 3D field, it was bleeding edge with the sheer volume of troops available. Using anything less would crush the realism of the battles and severely affect our enjoyment of the series.

What are your thoughts?

[BreakABone]

Gonna agree with you on this.

Graphics sometimes are just as important as gameplay.

I would never put it on the same level because

If a game has decent graphics but great gameplay its enjoyable.

But a great looking game with decent gameplay is just not as compelling.

Granted a game with great graphics and great gameplay is most ideal.

The example you used is great as well. Reminded me of my friend when he got his 360.. his first OMG moment came when he was playing Kameo and he saw the horde of ogres and then realized it wasn't a cut scene but the fact that he could actually take on all of them at once.

I will be most interested in this gen though.

As Nintendo has seen to gone the route of absolute gameplay over graphics, while Sony and MS both seem to be on the course that we have been on for some time.

[Perfect Stu]

pretty much agree with everything said so far...

graphics can add a LOT to a game...gameplay is foundation, but graphics play a big role too

Metal Gear Solid changed the way I thought about games...I loved how it was like a movie and game, the cinematics, graphics (at the time), the style. That's what I want out of most games...obviously some types of games dont need it, but I think graphics are very important in most games.

[Jonbo298]

Graphics do play a part in alot of games. Heck, I like graphics in PC Gaming but if the gameplay isnt as great, why pay for it? I'll either download it or just not buy it.

Consoles..depends. I dont have anything against great graphics. Its just without gameplay as compelling/good as the graphics, it just feels...weird.

[DarkMaster]

I think that as the next generation of games really start to hit their potential of what is capable of being displayed on screen, we're going to see a fairly drastic change in the way most video games are made. At the pinnacle of this new generation, we are going to see titles that not only look, but also play realistically, in terms of both physics and emotional depth. Once we hit that point where every single game looks phenomenal, we will no longer be able to base judgements around looks and visual appeal in terms of graphical quality.

It'll be like looking at pictures of upcoming movies, where 90% of titles look the same and 10% or less feature a boldly distinctive artistic style. In the next 5-7 years, you're going to see a huge, huge recruiting blitz, as game development companies strain and fight for artistic talent. Developers are going to come upon a harsh realisation once they figure out that, aside from game design (which you cannot display in preview pictures), the only way they're going to be able to make their titles standout is by creating a unique and authentic visual style.

When you look at games like Super Mario Bros. 3, Yoshi's Island, Wind Waker, or Okami, what you're seeing is a kind of timeless graphical style, one that years from now you can look back on and not think "ew, jagged edges, rough textures, pixelation, etc.". Games like these ones will always look good, becuase they look exactly how they should look.

So I guess the question was; is graphical quality in games imporant? And the answer is yes, but only when the visuals heighten the experience.

[KillerGremlin]

Physics, objects on screen, stuff like that.

Graphics sell video cards, and make me install games. Doom 3 survived 45 minutes of gameplay. Oblivion was installed on my PC for a week. Gameplay is what hold me down. I've been playing Half-Life and its many mods since circa '99. And I don't play much source.