Something I've noticed is that graphics bring people in, whereas good gameplay keeps them hooked. Whether it's a style they fancy, or just impressive realism, you need an impressive and interesting color and art design to bring people to your game. Know that people won't pay for a stick shooter game. Kids will spend their parent's money on Roblox, but you don't really want to be the next Roblox, do you?
Remember that you lock in that graphical style quickly, and then head onto developing good gameplay (this means the actual coding of it, not the concept). It can work the other way around, but don't show your game off until you've gotten some great art. People will pass your game up so quickly. Definitely do not release a game with bad art. I don't care if you suck at making art yourself. You must practice and work really hard at almost everything to be a gamedev. No one is good at art straight out of the womb. It may be harder for some than others, but the point is, you need to try, or hire someone who can do it if you have that kind of money. If you don't have money, work for it. You're doing your game a disservice by releasing it without good art.
The gif is from Silent Hill. I just thought it was funny xD
On the other hand, don't release a game with bad gameplay that just has good graphics. Even with that being said, a lot of people will still play your game regardless of the gameplay, if it has good graphics, but I think most gamedevs would probably like to be appreciated for all of their possible skills.
These are just some things that I've noticed when looking at games, and when others comment on games in indie forums. If nothing, just keep what I said in mind. What are some of your favorite art styles in games? What hooks you to a game? Comment below
