Doesn't sound like you got very involved in it. Let's just say that, as Paladin suggests, the human element makes for a great deal of difference. This goes to both the game play, and the social aspect of the game. Games were created to stimulate the mind, but in days gone by, they were also very social outlets. Sure, you can chat in some online games, but that cannot come close to face-to-face interaction. I do believe we are losing something there.
Trying to update my sig ...