It’s hard to pin down because I like different types of games.
I like:
Puzzle games that are 100% logical, difficulty increases, there is no timer running and ideally there is a way to improve my solution (Zachtronics games hit this perfectly but also games like Human Resource Machine, Hexcells)
Automation Games like Factorio
Simple and fair arcade on iOS, with high scores I can compare with my brother or, if I’m really good at it, the global leaderboard. Examples are Ollies Arcade, Jetpack Joyride, Tiny Wings, …
Sneaking games like Alien Isolation, Metal Gear Solid, Sniper Elite,…
„Realistic“ jobs that I can tune out to like Shipbreaker, Mudrunner, transport missions in Elite Dangerous.
Rhythm games on PSVR2 (though I hate that I have to buy the music)
Good old point and click adventures
City builders
But I will try and may like many other games that don’t fall into those categories and, for some reason or another, get me excited.
How a game looks rarely matters to me but I won’t consider games that look unfinished or cheaply made (exceptions exist like Prison Architect)
In general I don’t like games that are too hard, too long or too artsy. I don’t enjoy online multiplayer anymore and I will certainly not play anything that wants me paying more and more money to progress.