This "friend" of mine is going insane over how Halo 4's graphics are great. He refuses to accept that graphics don't determine gameplay.
This is the part where you remind him that he's only seen a pre-rendered trailer and the game will look nothing like it.
In my opinion it totally depends on the type of game and what the developers are trying to convey.
BF3 has absolutely incredible graphics judging by the in game footage. And that's fantastic, it really ties the knot in the game. This is because the developers are trying to create a jaw dropping graphical climax to completely immerse the player while he or she enjoys just as good (hopefully, probably, most definitely) gameplay, along with amazing sound effects, which are also just as important when talking about immersion (example of said sound effects: BFBC2).
Then theres a game like Minecraft. These examples have already been used in this thread however I will use them again as they are completely contrasting and get a point across. The game doesn't hook you on incredible graphics, albeit some landscapes in the game do look incredible. However the simplicity by no means can compare to BF3 in terms of graphics. The sound in Minecraft is the same deal. It can't compare with the detail put in to a game like BF3. That being said Minecraft draws in players with the excitement inherited with cave exploration and survival. And it holds on to them by exploiting their very own creativity.
Every game is different and you should revise your opinions if you judge a game based on any narrow set of factors.
In no case is Graphics < Gameplay, or Gameplay < Graphics. You can't compare a broad range of games based some vague description or expectation that may only fit a few games. Following such a rubric may, and probably will, overlook aspects of a game. Nullifying your qualifications.
just my 2 cents
