1. Character creation/custimization - I love making characters. It's so much fun. I spend way too much time.
2. Class/job - I also like it when I'm not stuck being a sworder the entire game. Some times I want to be a puncher or maybe a magicker.
3. Sidequests/optional areas - I like going off and doing my own thing. Especially when it has nothing to do with the main plot. I mean, the less it has to do with the story, the more I'll be there.
4. Show don't tell storytelling - I love it when the game doesn't tell you everything and you're left to figure stuff out on your own.
5. Girls - I'd rather play a game with a female lead then a boring guy.