What do you want to see in future RPGs?

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

The whole "chosen one" thing is way overdone. The only time I've been happy to see it show up in recent years was when it was parodied really well in the Bard's Tale.

I'd say the characters should be somewhat out of the ordinary in that they're adventuring for whatever reason, but not because of some preordained fate. I dislike the concept of "Fate" and "Destiny."

[Vincent, Thunder God]

Turned based combat. Not enough of that these days.

And almost everything "I'm my own MILF" said.

[Timber Maniac]

A main protagonist over the age of 21.

More RPG's taking place in the modern day.

[Shiny]

According to Shiny_Griever, no random battles, the main protagonist who's not a loser who has issues we actual care about to an extent, higher detailed graphics, new innovative music, everyone dies in the storyline EVERYONE (even you once you play it), female characters who don't dress like hookers, more interactive options that determine the storyline as a whole, and more diversity.

[Mercen-X]

I am doing a little bit of research because I would like to design a game. Unfortunately I will only be able to write the script and design the characters and things.

That's pretty much where I'm at in the game design area. What you need is what I need . . . a staff. An individual can't create a kick-ass game on their own. You need a team. If I could only find people who were willing to join me in an effort to create an earth-shaking, world-rocking game, then I would. But yeah, that's your one missing key ingredient.

I'm working on quite a few stories where the main character is a crazy-awesome young WOMAN like something out of Ultraviolet (except with better editing). And I'm a guy.
Games are boring when they focus too much on romance. But if you could create a fling that was NOT typical of RPGs, then I'd like to see that.
Of COURSE I'd like the plot to be interesting and different. **Uh, NIO, I want the same bland gruel I've been force-fed like an orphan in a . . . okay OT, forget it.**
Personally, I'd like to see religion. Real religion, not something that an evil dictator creates to usurp the world like Yu-Yevon in FFX. I'd like to see a real, thriving religion. I don't care what it is. As long as it dictates basic principals like not harming yourself or others. That's what I'd personally like to see.

[Shiny]

All I would be able to help with is the script writing for the storyline and character backgrounds.

[Madame Adequate]

Tying in slightly with what Shiny_Griever said about a character with issues we care about: a setting which has issues we care about. Not just the good underdogs (Possibly supported by usurped royalty) against the evil emperor, minister, or enemy force (Who aren't evil, but who have been influenced by an evil emperor or minister.). A game where there are shades of grey. Where neither side is right or wrong - both sides commit atrocities, for example. Where the governments are elected, and how people face up to the repercussions of who they elected. Heck, maybe even one where you can defect to the other side if you think your own is too excessive with their methods.

[Azure Chrysanthemum]

By the way, everyone dying at the end doesn't always make a good ending. Actually, it usually makes quite the opposite of a good ending. Not that it can't be done right, but it's hard and usually should be avoided, especially if its done just to do it.

Furthermore, if you must make the RPG turn-based at least make it an innovative system. Turn-based RPGs are slowly going out of style because eventually people get bored of it. RPGs aren't generally known for their utterly exciting gameplay style, and I would hope that a more action/skill/strategy-based system would work out better than just the standard everybody-line-up-wait-for-bar-to-charge-then-start-slashing style.

[Vyk]

I was going to speak on things that Behold the Void brought up earlier, but we actually have good games like that available. BioWare broke that mold more than once, and passed the torch onto other companies while continuing to keep it burning themselves. Granted we could always use more of their ilk. But I think the typical Japanese style RPG needs to be re-defined.

I don't want to turn this into a debate, so I'll just agree to disagree. Different options for story arcs, yes. But I kinda like to get to know the main character. Not define them. So I guess it would all depend on if you're aiming to mimic a western style or eastern style RPG.

[Elite Lord Sigma]

1. Memorable music that fits the mood of the moment well.

2. Bashing away stereotypes, like women=healers+crappy attack power

3. Truly astounding boss fights that are hard enough to provide a challenge, but easy enough to prevent you from screaming and hurling your controller against the wall.

4. More status ailments.

5. Having characters that actually change appearance depending on what they have equipped.

[Rase]

Probably the main thing that turns me off of most RPG's is the turn-based combat. Maybe it's because I'm more into FPS's and Action/Adventure titles, but I often feel bored and sometimes like I don't have enough control in the turn-based style. I'm more partial to the system used by the Tales series, especially Tales of Symphonia. Also, I wouldn't mind a setting that wasn't medieval. Don't get me wrong, I like fantasy, but there are so many other options that could work as opposed to the standard fare.

[Rengori]

Female protagonists. And not some girly childish thing either. A serious game with a serious female lead

That, and less emo protagonists.

And maybe more colorful uncliched worlds.

[NeoCracker]

With a turn based RPG you could try this system I just barely though up. For PHysical attacks at least designate a certain style of attack, such as rushing, attacking defesively, balanced attack and such that will effect your actually defense, if you rush it goes down but your attack goes up, if you fight defensively its the opposite. Magic could be gaged by putting more power into the spell, but in turn it takes longer to cast, possibly more MP. But just a guess.

[Gnostic Yevon]

I like a variety of different styles of game play. That's one of the good things of Suikoden -- you have three types of Battles (duels, random normal battles, and wars). That way, you aren't always doing the same old thing. All types should be strategic as possible, so that mashing X or whatever button attacks. Nothing is more boring than battles that never require thought.

Another thing is that I'd like (within reason) to be able to choose HOW I play. If I want to rob houses, let me -- just have a consequence (townspeople hate me, fights with guards, jail, whatever). Or let me be Mother Theresa on Niceness pills. It's my game, let me choose.

I want a complex storyline. Everone should have their own agenda. Not just black and white Cloud vs Sephy. I want to spend 3/4 of the game wondering which side is the "right" side. I'd love it if I wasn't exactly trusting of the rest of the team. The story itself should be dark, not like horror movie zomg everybody dies dark, but it should be serious. And take the characters seriously they should be individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses.

[black orb]

>>> Everything you have mentioned here has been already done..

I would like to see the next rpgs more challenging (almost impossible to beat), the ones i`ve played recently are too easy..