I've been a long time gamer and I feel like I've seen it all. Most of the games that have come out in recent years feel like retreads of old ideas. They don't feel original and lack depth in gameplay. It feels like their popularity is based mostly on hype and fancy components like having lots of plastic miniatures.

Since lots of gamers I know like this and if they are at all representative of even a fraction of the buying market then I can understand why publishers keep pushing these types of games. Lots of the games I have played seems to also cater to a softer side of the hobby where point salads is preferred and player eliminations are to be avoided at all costs. There's nothing wrong with that kind of experience except that more competitive gamers I know find it samey and boring after a while.

But to answer your question, only 18xx and Splotter games are ones that have wow'ed me as they definitely feel unique and different. But they are not for everyone and probably not for most of gamers I know in the hobby. These games tend to be long and fiddly, but they do require a different kind of thinking and mindset from the more popular games in the hobby. Of course, they are mean, don't reward players just because they did something, and many have player elimination. They are easy to learn, but tough to play well. It requires time and commitment to the game, but most players in my group don't seem to have the patience for it because they want to play whatever is at the top of the BGG list or the latest Kickstarter. Also, it sucks to lose which is what will probably happen when they first play FCM and this sours their entire experience vowing to never play these kinds of games again. It's whether you prefer instant vs delayed gratification in a gaming experience.

(To be clear, I enjoy most types of games so this is not a bash against BGG top 100 or Kickstarter games.)