We are rapidly approaching a game's favorite time of year: the E3 game expo; and with the recent Microsoft press conference releasing information on the new Xbox One, in addition to the PS4 and Wii U, the next console generation race has begun of which company will win the hearts of America. Despite such a short time having passed with all the next generation console only being named, many are already declaring the victor. Now, there will always be disagreement because of personal differences and tastes, but; one major criteria that is mentioned endlessly when the judgment begins of which console is better is graphical power.

We all love things look nice, but is the obsession of a better appearence trumping the importance of having a quality product?

You recently went to a local store to purchase a movie with a friend. You pick up a copy of the newest movie, which you heard  has the best special effects and visuals of any movie in the history of mankind. Your friend of the other hand, grabs a different movie, which he heard has one of the best plots and endings ever; but not nearly as nice effects as the movie you purchased. You return to your home to watch both movies. Upon completing your movie, you and your friend both agree it was a waste of your valuable time, despite the cutting edge effects. But, after watching the movie your friend purchased, you both whole heartedly agree that the movie he chose was much better, despite a multi-million dollar budget and amazing effects.

This same scenario can be used for video games. 

Now, there are instances in which stellar visuals, engaging gameplay,  and a compelling well written story can be blended into a game that leaves its players speechless upon completion, drawing us back to play it over and over again. But why is there a seeming lack of desire for games to have all of these elements, and instead an apparent focus on life-like graphics?

The biggest argument I have seen in articles concerning this next generation of consoles is which has better graphics. But not only that, but downsizing the competition because it may not have as grand a graphical component (namely the Wii U). Is it wrong that as technology being improved constantly that we improve these areas such as graphics and processing power? Absolutely not. But, graphics should not be the determining factor of whether a console or game is good or bad. Some of the greatest games in history now cost up to hundreds of dollars used to purchase, with graphics fall light years short of graphics nowadays. Here is a question to ask of many of the popular franchises and games in general today: 30 years from now, will we be clamaring for a copy of Call of Duty for PS4 because it was such a spectacular title? Because the graphics are awful compared to the new? Or because physical media is so rare by then? Some of my favorite games of all time come from consoles of old that if you asked many gamers today they would have never heard of it. Back then quality was priority, not visuals. Would you pay money for a game with life like visuals even if the game was chasing a dragon that you could never catch while shooting heroin?