IGN recently posted an article titled "Final Fantasy XIII: Recipe for Delight" , where they listed thirteen things that they wished to see in FF13. Some are very broad and some are very specific. Post your own "wish list" and explain each. Feel free to use some that were already used, if you feel that they're important. 
My list:
A Humble Story - This was first on IGN's list and I couldn't agree more. Final Fantasy stories are traditionally about an entire planet in peril, but I think some of the better-told video game stories aren't about saving the world from imminent doom, but are about smaller-scale stories. I think that a story could be just as epic, without having to be about saving the planet from being destroyed.
Unique and Fixed Character Abilities - In terms of the battle and character progression, I've always loved the concept of having completely unique characters, much like in FFIX. I think there's such thing as too much customization with the characters, and I would prefer it if the characters were not more-or-less identical. Take FFXII, for example. Any character can potentially specialize in Offensive Magic, Restorative Magic or Physical Damage, wield Swords, Spears, Bows, or Guns...and eventually, during the natural progression of the game, all of the above. Perhaps too much uniqueness is bad, and maybe you need at least a bit of customization. I thought FFX was a near-perfect balance, where the Sphere Grid suggested characters' roles in battle and had restrictions as to what each character could be capable of. I hope XIII takes a step in the direction of fixed, unique characters rather than fully-customizable characters.
More Practical Summoning System - After FFVI's Esper System, I've never been a big fan of the Summoning system. They're awesome eye candy, but there was at least one thing that would bother me. Sometimes, the summons just took far too long to use in a conventional battle. Sometimes, they were just way too powerful and crushed bosses way too quickly, it really took away from the fun of huge boss battles. Playing through some of the FF's again, I've almost completely ditched the Summoning system. This time around, I hope they find the right balance in making the Summons more practical in terms of power (useful but not too powerful) and presentaton (cinematic but not too lengthy).
More Strategy-Based Combat - Being able to defeat a boss in an Final Fantasy game typically depends on being at a high enough level, getting your equipment is up to snuff, and having the important traits/abilities. Typically, you can just follow a simple formula to beat a boss: heal damaged allies, remove status ailments, hit the boss with your hardest attacks untile he dies. I think boss fights would be a lot more interesting if some of them required more strategy, instead of just being level/gear checks. For example, they could add in gimmicks for some bossess can't just be defeated simply by following a simple formula and you have to explore to find the right method to beat him. I think that it's simple to implement and would make the game that much more enjoyable.
Feel free to comment or add your own list.
My list:
A Humble Story - This was first on IGN's list and I couldn't agree more. Final Fantasy stories are traditionally about an entire planet in peril, but I think some of the better-told video game stories aren't about saving the world from imminent doom, but are about smaller-scale stories. I think that a story could be just as epic, without having to be about saving the planet from being destroyed.
Unique and Fixed Character Abilities - In terms of the battle and character progression, I've always loved the concept of having completely unique characters, much like in FFIX. I think there's such thing as too much customization with the characters, and I would prefer it if the characters were not more-or-less identical. Take FFXII, for example. Any character can potentially specialize in Offensive Magic, Restorative Magic or Physical Damage, wield Swords, Spears, Bows, or Guns...and eventually, during the natural progression of the game, all of the above. Perhaps too much uniqueness is bad, and maybe you need at least a bit of customization. I thought FFX was a near-perfect balance, where the Sphere Grid suggested characters' roles in battle and had restrictions as to what each character could be capable of. I hope XIII takes a step in the direction of fixed, unique characters rather than fully-customizable characters.
More Practical Summoning System - After FFVI's Esper System, I've never been a big fan of the Summoning system. They're awesome eye candy, but there was at least one thing that would bother me. Sometimes, the summons just took far too long to use in a conventional battle. Sometimes, they were just way too powerful and crushed bosses way too quickly, it really took away from the fun of huge boss battles. Playing through some of the FF's again, I've almost completely ditched the Summoning system. This time around, I hope they find the right balance in making the Summons more practical in terms of power (useful but not too powerful) and presentaton (cinematic but not too lengthy).
More Strategy-Based Combat - Being able to defeat a boss in an Final Fantasy game typically depends on being at a high enough level, getting your equipment is up to snuff, and having the important traits/abilities. Typically, you can just follow a simple formula to beat a boss: heal damaged allies, remove status ailments, hit the boss with your hardest attacks untile he dies. I think boss fights would be a lot more interesting if some of them required more strategy, instead of just being level/gear checks. For example, they could add in gimmicks for some bossess can't just be defeated simply by following a simple formula and you have to explore to find the right method to beat him. I think that it's simple to implement and would make the game that much more enjoyable.
Feel free to comment or add your own list.
