I don't like sims, I prefer an arcade-y feel to my games.
a game that can be enjoyed without skill, but enjoyed for different reasons if you get good at it is what I am after.

games that pull out random BS to level the playing field (like mario kart's blue shells) annoy me when I start getting good
games with a really high barrier to entry, but that get fun once you acquire some ability (eg: supreme commander) don't often survive the barrier stage