Yeah, it is all of some importance, at least, depending on your perspective. When it all comes together, that's what will be most enjoyable, more than a game who just has one of the two things (gameplay vs. graphics). I like to explore, as well. I've been playing a lot of co-op Call of Duty: World at War zombie mode with my brother lately. We're on the last of the four maps now and it's fun to explore them and find everything together, while zombies are coming. But, we'll go back and play the other maps, too. Man do I wish we could play two player co-op online with two other people, though. Patrick