Are Graphics Really That Important in Gaming?
How Retro Games and Nintendo Prove That Graphics Aren’t Everything
The PS5 Pro was recently announced, promising enhanced graphics with more stable frame rates and higher resolution. It got me thinking: how much do graphics really matter in gaming? Despite this constant push for graphical realism, I've found myself getting back into retro games and side scrollers from the 90s and early 2000s. These titles, many of which would be considered graphically outdated by today's standards, still captivate me, and I’m not alone in this sentiment.
Take the Nintendo Switch, for example. It’s a console that’s at least two generations behind in terms of graphics, yet it’s a massive success. Games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet look barely better than late PS2 games, yet they remain popular. This raises an interesting question: is gameplay more important than graphics?
Nostalgia and Gameplay Over Graphics
I’ve been replaying older games like Final Fantasy, Pokémon, and various SNES/Megadrive titles. Despite their dated visuals, the gameplay and the memories associated with them make them just as enjoyable as ever. Even some new indie side-scrolling games offer more creativity and fun than some modern AAA titles. I recently started playing Onimusha again. While the controls and camera angles feel restrictive by today's standards, I’m still enjoying it because of the nostalgia and the solid gameplay mechanics.
With the rise of game collectors and emulation, we are in an era where revisiting classic titles is more accessible than ever. The proliferation of handheld emulators and remastered collections shows that many gamers share this appreciation for older games.
Why Do Older Games Still Captivate Us?
According to a recent Newzoo report, over 60% of playtime from 2022 through 2023 was spent on titles six years old or older. However, this statistic can be misleading if taken at face value. While we might think this means people are playing their favourite PS2 or Xbox 360 games, it actually refers to evergreen titles like Fortnite, Roblox, League of Legends, Minecraft, and GTA V—games that are still massively popular despite their age (Newzoo - The PC & Console Gaming Report 2024).
Take GTA V, for example. It first launched on the PS3 and Xbox 360 and is still going strong. Its ongoing success demonstrates that a game doesn’t need the latest graphical advancements to remain relevant. It’s the gameplay, community, and constant updates that keep players engaged.
The Nintendo Paradox
The Nintendo Switch’s success is another example. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom looks stunning with its cell-shaded graphics, yet it's not technically demanding. And Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, despite their basic visuals, are still hugely successful. Mario Kart 8, originally released on the Wii U over a decade ago, remains one of the most played games on the Switch. Clearly, players are prioritising gameplay and familiar franchises over cutting-edge graphics.
Are We the Problem?
Perhaps we, the players, are part of the problem. We keep buying remasters of games that aren't even that old, encouraging developers to focus on graphics rather than innovation. Companies wouldn’t be investing in projects like Spider-Man 2 or Final Fantasy VII Rebirth if they didn’t think they would sell. Nintendo, meanwhile, continues to dominate with games that look barely better than PS2 titles because they know their fanbase values the gameplay and characters.
I’ve even found myself questioning whether I need my PS5, as much of what I play isn’t PS5 exclusive. With the growing appeal of retro games, I could easily spend years enjoying classics without needing the latest console.
What’s Next for Gaming?
The real challenge moving forward is balancing graphical advancement with engaging gameplay. The advancements from the PS1 to PS2 and then to PS3 were groundbreaking. But since then, the jumps have felt less significant. Are we reaching a point where the limiting factor is no longer technology but rather the time, team size, and budget needed to push graphics further?
In the end, I believe a great game is about the experience it provides, not just how it looks. Games like Super Mario World or Final Fantasy X remain enjoyable not because of their cutting-edge graphics but because they use what they have to create an engaging and memorable experience.
What do you think? Are you drawn to the latest graphical advancements, or do you find yourself replaying older favourites? Let me know in the comments, and share your favourite games that stand the test of time despite their graphics.
Stay strong and game on!