I wonder if thinking you're injuried produces the same physiological response as being injured?
My ideal game? Crumbs. No character interaction or a second character to cart round with you. A sense of fun - like Heart of Evil (HL mod) or NOLF. Excellent range of realistic weapons but nothing too powerful - just becomes pointless. Huge number of levels, exceptionally difficult but not impossible. I want to be frightened and challenged. When I first played Half-life it took me ages to leave the pipe. Going down the cliff face was hell - I was dripping sweat, my heart rate was nearly 120 bpm, and my blood pressure could have been measured in PSI. I don't do heights

I want a range of enemies with differing characteristics and weapons. I want realistic damage - if someone shoots me in the head, I expect to die. Puzzles are important - something to test my brain. Maps with choices - different routes - would be good.
I think that covers it
BTW - I'm largely an FPS man. I've played a couple of point n click games, and I like The Lost Vikings, but that's it.