Plot or Graphics?

With beefy systems putting our remarkable new games I feel that it's necessary to think about two important components of any successful game. I'm talking about the visual effects of the game and it's story. It's my own opinion that any game that should be considered as an all time favorite should definitely have both of these. I can get through mediocre controls as long as I'm glued to my screen wondering what's next. Or when I'm awestruck by the landscape and detail carefully and subtly used in a game. I find that both components help create a game that becomes more than just something to play through, but an adventure you must complete. However, which one is more important?

We all know that a game must have some sort of plot or your just doing work in my opinion. Although, I've seen some games that although played quite well just didn't have the story that I was captivated with. Looking at the first Gears of War we have an excellent game and probably one of the best shooter games to revolutionize the genre. However, the story really took a backseat to the new game play. We can also see that for Gears of War 2, they are trying to bring in a more complex storyline into the gruesome game play. Another game to prove that great games have great stories is from the Legend of Zelda: Windwaker for the Gamecube. I know this is an older game, but the visuals were very choppy and very cartoony. I understand that is part of the effect purposefully created, but even with the child oriented visuals it wasn't very detailed and breathtaking. However, the storyline kept may playing through the game not once, not twice, but three times before putting away my Gamecube for good. I still have the game in fact.

Now switching to the other end we have amazing visuals to help keep gamers inspired to explore. But good visuals only makes a game fun to play for about 10 minutes. One game I loved that didn't quite have the story I was expecting, but definitely kept me saying "wow" was the PS2 game, Shadow of the Colossus. This game had amazing landscapes and even the boss battles were tough to get through because you were dumbfounded by their appearance. However, to me the story took place in the two minute cutscenes of each mission and I was basically going around killing giant beasts for the fun of it. Still, this game is one of the most visually amazing games for the old generation of consoles.

I guess when you really think it over, there is no way to actually prove which element of a game is the most important. It really depends on the gamer's preference to show which component of a game will be the most attractive. That's why I'm glad that more games are trying to implement all elements into their games. I can see this in Call of Duty 4, the upcoming Gears of War 2, Fable 2, The Elder's Scrolls: Oblivion, GTA IV, and many other new games comping out. My only advice is for gamers to sit down and pick their top 5 or top 10 and see what comparisons they can make out of all of those games to find out what you find most important.