Having said that, most people seem to want the same old really, since the most anticipated games are usualy sequels not new franchises.
But isn't that a self-fulfiling prophecy? The reason people usually wait for sequels is that they know they aren't getting burnt (except in the case of PoP:WW). Usually more of the same is a good thing, especially if the first game doesn't have much replayability.The best purchases I made this year was Civilization IV - the ultimate game of Civilization, one Sid Meier will be hard pressed to beat.
I think top-10 sales lists like this one say alot. An old game like Locomotion at position 5? Why? It costs a fiver.