I wouldn't go so far as to say it was "never" about the graphics. There was definitely a sense of wonder when I first saw Wolfenstein 3D, then Doom, and later Quake. It was the graphics that got you first and made you think, "Oh wow, I can wander around this world?!" Thankfully, they were fun games as well.

I think what's getting people interested in this project is the sense of wonder they get from the visuals. Who knows if they can deliver, but there's something about how this looks that gives me a sense of wonder.