There are games that carry in gameplay alone but not every genre can do that. A good story can really help bump a game from c tier to b tier or even a tier. Space based and open world games are prime candidates.
Like palworld was good but palworld with a story would have been a multi billion dollars Machine.
I'd argue that every genre can, in fact, do this. I can also agree that good writing can help bump up a game.
Palworld is an odd example. It isn't like the writing in Pokemon was top tier? Does Monster Hunter even have a story? Not one I've ever heard spoken of.
Like palworld was good but palworld with a story would have been a multi billion dollars Machine.