The short answer would be gameplay of course... but...

Quote Originally Posted by RedXIII13
Remember: Graphics don't make a game.
Contrary to what everyone might say about gameplay > graphics. Graphics have made a game plenty of times. Think of the first ever 3D fighter (was it Toshinden?). To all the hardened 2D fighter fans, it would've seemed like a gimmick but it paid off. 3D fighters have continued to evolve, buffed by continued effort to make the fighting seem more realistic. Hence, sidesteps, horizontal/vertical attacks etc.

This can also be said of the racing genre. Although Gran Turismo is renowned for its gameplay, the 'ultimate driving simulator' wouldn't be so if it weren't for graphics. How could the PlayStation possibly simulate the feeling of driving a Lancer Evo III if the car didn't look almost exactly perfect? Realistic handling or not, Gran Turismo would not be where it is today if it weren't for graphics.