*bump*

Well, this is interesting. I guess back then I decided that I could handle the gore after all, and finished Half Life 2 without any trouble. And since then, I've been pretty ok with gore in movies. Still not a fan, but I can watch it now without hiding behind a cushion. So, desensitization is a... good thing? Or perhaps this is a worrying symptom, I don't know.

New topic: desensitization to violence!

Desensitization: On the one hand I approve, in video games I can enjoy more of them, and in real life it can be useful in situations. On the other hand, this can cause us to be a little too complacent about violent acts.
Graphics: I like good graphics. They don't have to be amazing, or even great, just good. The original Kingdom Hearts is a good example. And I can enjoy low graphics if it's intentional, like in Crawl or Witch & Hero. But anything which is poor graphics because that is what they had, tends to be annoying to me visually; disturbs my mental function.
Violence or Gore: Personally: Realistic gore in small quantities can be immersive and enjoyable. (First Assault) Cartoon-y gore is fine and fun after a bit of desensitization. (Team Fortress 2) Morally: I suppose the only objection would be desensitization, for which, see above.

The problem with having hyper-realistic graphics, is that bloody games look horrifying, but if that's what you're going for, that's cool. But another problem is that Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo get too hung up on the graphics than the actual content of the game, same with gamers. I mean, look at Minecraft, or Mario Bros. or a lot of good games, they don't necessarily have realistic graphics, but they're great games nonetheless.

Forza 6- great graphics, awesome game, good experience. I think you can get the total package.

In 2D games, I personally prefer pixel-art over smooth vector-art. I suspect that is because, firstly, I am more used to pixel art and, secondly, pixel art is ordered into neat rows and columns.

In terms of desensitization, the news is likely more harmful than most video games because they show real gore.

Agreeable here. I physically recoil at some of the videos of ISIS beheadings, while games I can generally look away from.