You should definitely not listen to kids about this kind of stuff. I'm sure not a single one of them that makes such remarks has seen technology videos of the next-generation technology (such as DirectX 11 technology videos).
But besides that it's not all about the graphics, it's only a matter of time before they figure this out, and it's sad to see game companies actually listening to such remarks and trying to "fix" this in their future games.
Each time I help somebody setup Penumbra to play it (correct configuration) I keep getting amazed by the graphics once you enter the boat, even to date, and to imagine it has been like this ever since Q1 2007 since the release.
Maybe check this out (GPL licensed engine):
http://www.moddb.com/engines/irrlicht-engine