Something Old: More variety in the maps. Let's look at FFIV as an example: you have the regular world map, you can go underground, you can go to the moon... Something to make the exploring more exciting and diverse.

Something New: The possibility to make choices that actually influence the story and let you unlock alternate endings depending on what you choose. Also a "reputation system": by doing certain missions you can increase your reputation and gain advantages (for example buying stuff at a reduced price at specific shops) and viceversa.

Something Borrowed: if they keep going for the action route I'd like to have different fighting styles, like Devil May Cry 3, each character with his/her own styles and weapons.