It depends on the subject. If there is a game that is something I really want to play based on a subject I enjoy, I'll try it out. Eye candy is one thing, great gameplay is another. To have both is totally spectacular.
I've played ww2ol. The graphics aren't the best, but when you're online against hundreds of other players, there are limitations over the internet. I found it immersive enough with the sounds being a key factor using surround sound. I could hear someone approach me from behind and to the right and be ready for them. Having a 40mm Bofor going off in my ears next to me was a bit of a hassle since I couldn't hear sh*t. But it is a cool game for multiplayer online.
I also played one of those FPS, can't recall the name... Call of Duty or one of those. I was leading the assault through the maze of buildings and ran into a room and up to a window. Suddenly I heard the germans yelling and there was a shot fired that hit the window pane next to me. I SWEAR, I flinched! The bullet whizzing by, the spark, the puff of dust and the mark it left. I literally jerked to my right in my chair it looked and sounded so realistic.
Top notch graphics add to the immersion level as do great audio to fill the senses. Throw in a PC mounted gunpowder or cordite aroma dispenser and we'll have the smell too.
But if someone made a 1864 Ironclad game even with 1997 graphics and UI, I'd still buy it to try since it's never been done before. There was one that was going to be released, but it never was. I emailed the company and they replied that the game was cancelled due to "lack of interest"
