One of the issues with FFXIV...

[Konachibi]

they are because they create a sense of immersion into the game play. Look how many people are going crazy over how cool the new elder scrolls is just because it has dragons that can randomly pick up mobs and toss em around realistically.

That is clearly what NA gamers want because its what NA gamers buy.

I remember Final Fantasy 7, which had no realistic physics or graphics, and that was heralded as one of the most immersive RPG's of all time.

I remember Resident Evil 1, which was quite unrealistic, but sparked a whole new generation of horror games.

I remember Super Mario 64, which had no real physics at all and was far too colourfull to be healthy, but was influential enough to cause many games companies to begin developing more 3D adventure games.

I remember Devil May Cry, which was completely over-the-top, but was enjoyable and 'immersive' enough to spawn 3 sequals and have other companies make similar games like Dante's Inferno and Bayonetta.

Star Wars, Turok, Gundam, American McGee's Alice, Silent Hill, Heroes Of Might & Magic...

All things that don't have realistic physics and graphics. Graphics and physics have no effect on video game immersion, the only important thing is that the game has to be GOOD.