I think people are simplifying what makes a great game. A great game is not solely about any one element of the game - not just story, nor gameplay, nor graphics, although those things help to create a good game. The game is all about the experience you feel whilst playing the game.
What I recommend for a relative newbie to create a good and interesting game is to try to make a very simple yet small RPG to start off with. Populate it with what you feel is fitting, whether it be puzzles or battles. Create a story around those gameplay mechanics, and try to create an immersive game that will appeal to the players' interests.
My story is that I have spent the good part of a few years mucking around with RPG Maker in a very disorganized way, making very many games that just... didn't work for me. Either the gameplay is lacking, or the story seems contrived, but every time I have improved, and over the years I have become far better at creating games than I used to. Now I feel confident that my project Quincy and Amber actually has some promise, and it has received 100% good feedback so far, some from some great developers too. It is the only project that I am truly excited for, and I am hoping that it will turn out to be an epic and unique game once it is done.
What I believe makes a game is indeterminable, although there are principles that you can follow to make a game better or worse, i.e. polished graphical style, interesting gameplay, engaging story and characters. But beyond that, there should be (at least in my mind) an X-factor that makes the game worthwhile to play.
So try experimenting a little, see what you are good at, and try to capitalize on that. I have discovered that one of the only things I am good at is creating puzzles, so I make puzzle games. Find your strength, and capitalize on it. It is no use making your weaknesses a little stronger - try to find what you are really good at and improve that.
