Graphics draws my attention at first contact with the game. Doesn't matter if they're realistic, cartoon, 8bit, etc etc. The factors involved are many, and very complex because they are very personal. What i find cute and nice other may find outdated and ugly.
Everything that comes after , game mechanics , history and synergy between graphics and gameplay holds my attention. So i think you just can't analyze a game by separated aspects since they merge one with the other.