TW1 didn't really push the envelope graphically, I don't really think the graphics had all that much to do with its success. In fact TW2 was graphically superior, but to this day I haven't cared enough to finish it once, let alone 3 times like the original.
It's much easier to make a game graphically demanding than it is to make it engaging and enjoyable.
It's much easier to make a game graphically demanding than it is to make it engaging and enjoyable.