What do you like in your RPGs?

[Jdb]

Success isn't driven by having enough numbers. Paper Mario is an example of this.

 

[Drake666]

Likable characters and a good story.

For the combat mechanic, I really open-minded: Fallout 1-2 style is great, I don't have anything against Fallout 3/TES style (more action oriented), old-FF style was "fun but fastidious", Baldur's Gat/Neverwinter Night/Dragon Age:Origin style is a little less "turn by turn" then Fallout 1-2 and, finally, the Dragon Age 2 (yeah, I piled them together) style is quick, strategic but can become a little bit to MMO style (you always spam the same spells/ability in the same order...).

So yeah, I love RPG

 

[Biosophilogical]

Memorable characters, places, dialogue, and bosses or enemies who require you to make good use of your abilities, whether you're turn-based or real time. FFX still stands as one of my favorite RPGs.

This. Also, Golden Sun 1 & 2 are really good, and I enjoyed Monster Hunter Tri because of the fun combat, and I'm enjoying Dark Souls for the same reason.

EDIT: Actually, something they all have as well is options. FFX had the sphere grid (time mage Yuna was a personal favourite of mine), Golden Sun had the Djinn system, and Monster Hunter/Dark Souls has a variety of locations, weapons, tactics and monsters to fight.