which is more important to you in a game? Story or gameplay mechanics?

Depends on the game. In a shooter/RPG story is very important. In a strategy game the mechanics make all the difference.

A good story is nice. But if I really want one, I'll read a book or watch a movie.

In most cases, you can't have one without the other.

It's like having a movie that's all explosions and [censored] but a loose story that somehow ties it all together... badly.

Difficult one, but a great story would always entice me more than just good gameplay.

Story, unless it is a strategy games or something like the Sims.

Yeah i like good stories in games for sure. But in the end, to me at least, it matters on the gameplay and the mechanics. If i want good stories, ill read the 100 some odd books i have, because there are some great stories out there. Most times in video games, stories are diluted or just not as good as they could be for the sake of keeping the game fun (you know, pointless battles inbetween plot points to keep the game going, or whatever).

All that aside, I want a game that works, so I'll ahve to say mechanics, since no one knows how to write anymore

Questions like this are like asking "What taste better? Food, or drinks?"

Two different things that you don't need to have both of to make an enjoyable meal, and you like them for different reasons.