I think this is somewhat important to the debate.
I think the reactions explain the point better, but in a category dubbed best graphics, Kirby: Epic Yarn beat out Rage, Crysis 2, Gears of War 3 and Killzone 3. So the comments break down into fact that graphics mean a more technical prowess and Kirby has art style.
Curious, do folks see graphics separate from art/presentation/style?