>That said, the game (or movie) still needs to be the most important thing. When a studio tries to lean on graphics as the selling point, it always ends up poorly.
Counterpoint: Avatar. I have never heard someone say they loved that movie because of the amazing story. They like it because it's very, very, very pretty to look at.
I've never seen Avatar for this reason. It seemed like all 3D hype. However, after 3 movies and 2 more planned, with the 3D hype long dead, are the visuals going to carry a 5 movie franchise from a director with over 20 Academy Awards under his belt?
I've been debating watching the movies now that there a few of them out, thinking there must be something there. However, I've never heard anyone actually talk about these movies in real life, which is still a concern.
Even with 3 films out the visual spectacle is what brings people to the cinema. That and the fantasy of living in a different world. The second film focused on previously impossible in-water filming techniques.
Counterpoint: Avatar. I have never heard someone say they loved that movie because of the amazing story. They like it because it's very, very, very pretty to look at.