Online games have a number of defining qualities to them, but perhaps one of the most unique features is the opportunity for a developer to give back to the players. Rarely are these rewards something that will dramatically alter game play (though it can happen), but they often provide something unique for the user to help them in some way, or at the very least, show off as a vanity item.

Surprisingly, not a lot of developers create decent rewards as they apply to their games. However, here are our Top 11 favorite player rewards we’ve found in social games.

11.) SuperPoke! – Slide Inc. – Poke of the Day
Okay, so it’s not a “game” so it isn’t really a “reward” (unless you consider it a reward for logging on), but it is something that is a nice addition to the app. Each day, when a user logs on to SuperPoke! they are presented with the “Poke of the Day” which allows them to, well, “poke” their friends in a unique manner, and it’s a nice little extra that Slide has given users.

10.) Fashion Wars & Street Racing – Zynga – Very Sexy Cars
Yes, it is the same concept as the limited edition rewards in their other games. But guys like cars, and these special/limited edition cars are so very sexy. Sure, it’s a shallow reason, but you know that any of you would like these cars in reality (especially the guys), but until that comes to pass, these virtual ones will have to do.

9.) (Lil) Green Patch & Blue Cove – Green Patch Inc. – GreenBucks
Every time a player logs on to any of these titles, they earn $50 GreenBucks. In and of itself, this isn’t much of a reward, but this particular currency works across both titles, thus making it all the more useful. Of course, playing the game does help fight against global warming and the deforestation of the rain forests, and isn’t that its own reward? (okay, sorry, that was cheesy)

8.) Texas Hold’Em & Poker Palace – Zynga & Poker Palace – Chips/Cash
While not uncommon for a card style game, it would be something that would be missed were it not in the game. Each of these games gives players a daily reward of chips or cash respectively based on the number of friends they have recruited. It’s not the most creative of rewards, but is certainly a great addition to a gambling game (especially if you’re a bit unlucky at the tables).

7.) YoVille – Zynga – Gifts
Relatively self-explanatory, but occasionally the developers like to share the wealth and send their players some vanity gifts to place around their house/apartment. First and foremost, YoVille is a social, virtual world, and in this world players can decorate their own personal space. Any item they can use to make it look better is always welcome.

6.) (fluff)Friends – SGN – Limited Edition Items
Here is a game/sim that has you creating some frighteningly cute critters to keep as pets. The point? Spoil them rotten as you buy all sorts of clothing, decorations, food, and so on in order to make them the happiest, and cutest virtual friend on the web. The nice part about it though, is that the game creators often grant the players access to some wonderful limited edition items that are not just limited to items, but even new, ahem, fluffy friends as well. These periodic additions not only show developer involvement, but help keep the app fresh and new as time presses onward.

5.) myFarm – playSocial – Gifts from The King
So for those that don’t know, myFarm is a simple sandbox game where the player builds and manages a farm. There is no real objective other than the open-ended, creative ability to build your farm to look a nice as possible. Occasionally, though, you get a little help from “The King” who will send you a nifty little gift to use on your land. It isn’t much, but it does make for a nice vanity item for the player to use (for example the one of the most recent gifts was a Christmas Tree), and sometimes can even be harvested for money once it grows.

4.) Mafia Wars – Zynga – Limited Edition Loot
Okay, maybe it’s not technically a “reward” since you have to purchase it in some way, but it is something that the developers are constantly changing. Whether it is a bloody chainsaw, a gas mask, or a machine gun, these guys are always useful to the player and is certainly loot the player should watch out for. The best part is it adds a little variety to the game, and shows that the developers are always involved.

3.) Pet Society – Playfish – Level Rewards
This is a very simple idea that any Pet Society player is going to know about. Each time a player levels their little friend, they gain a nice new gift to use in the world that ranges from a simple ball to a brand spankin’ new house (well, a bigger one anyway). Each gift allows the player to unlock new achievements, play new games, or just get more room. Either way, they add a great deal of depth to the game and are always fun to play with.

2.) Vampire Wars – Zynga – Treasure & Limited Edition Abilities
Like with Mafia Wars, Zynga gives the players some nice little rewards with the limited addition abilities. It works the same way as well, providing a little boost to those around to get them. However, in addition, they incorporate a nifty little treasure that players have to log on daily in order to unlock (currently it is three locks). If the player misses a day, the locks re-lock and it’s back to square one.

It’s a simple addition, but the whole mystery of the unknown adds a nice touch to the game, and certainly shows, once again, developer involvement. In fact, the developers even give some new outfits for player avatars as well. While it seems minor, little additions like that goes a long way with players because it allows them more personalization of their game.

1.) FutureGame – FutureGame LLC – Money & Prizes
Yeah, that’s right, definitely the number one player reward for any game: cash, moola, denaro, green, money. This a gambler’s dream as you don’t have to actually wager anything to win. Simply guess the trends (up or down) in stock prices (probably down in this economy), and if you’re correct a few times, you start a streak. The higher the streak, the higher the winnings. Of course, you have to know when to quit, because if you don’t cash out and get a guess wrong, there goes all those wonderful prizes and dollar bills.