Quote from SnipaMastaI share the exact same view. Although the concept of "gameplay over graphics" has probably been lost (or it's on the brink) - considering how much is costs to make a game innovation isn't encouraged by publishers (thanks, EA). Thankfully some games are still trying it, but Next Generation to me basically means more graphics and less gameplay (in the non-literal sense).
Why not focus on both at the same time.