My personal 'top 4 list', in terms of makes a 'good/fun' game...
4. Graphics: Obviously, getting hype going requires a few amazing screenshots/videos. But too many games have been overhyped due to amazing gfx, then failed because they didn't have a fun or engaging foundation.
3. Animation: Yes, animation trumps graphics. I saw a cartoon about how much life and appeal you can give simple shapes just by the quality of animation. Animations schools have students do much of their learning with a sack of flour...'cause if you can get a blob to express emotion, then you're on the right track.
2. Sound/Music: This is more of an 'aftertaste' phenomina, but the older I get, the more I realize what a huge impact a games music (and soundFX, to a lesser extent) had on my enjoyment and attachment to it. SHow me a screenshot of a boss battle in FF4 and it'll remind me of the game. Crank up the FF4 theme 'Battle with the Four Fiends', and a floodgate of warm, fuzzy memories is unleashed.
1. Gameplay: When it comes to making a game, gameplay is king. We need to nail this or all hope is lost....if you read in forums people saying 'Elemental has so much potential', it has nothing to with 2, 3, or 4.
Anyways, just my take on the subject 
