For so much of what we do as artists in the game biz, we concentrate on so many tiny details and making sure we get all the items in that a game needs to attract eyes. A simpler approach is just as appealing and can be done faster and at a lower cost. And there are plenty of examples out there.
Here is just one example of a concept that I pitched but sadly, didn't go anywhere. I'm not a game play designer so my thoughts about how to play the game was about as simple as the art for the game. I still think it could have worked.
"Newbies"