I think characters are what matters the most. I think you could put characters like Zidane, Dagger, and Vivi in a final fantasy VII type world it would be a great game. The reason why FVIII wasn't great IMO was because of the characters. I think whether its future or in the past they need characters that we actually like. Give us a completely sick Zidane/Cloud like main character but someone that doesn't look girly. I mean the dude doens't have to be ugly but he should at least look like a guy. Have a girl like Yuna but brunette so no one notices. Also I think you have the story light at first like a simple plot that you will accomplish easy then half way throw everyone off and have the main plot start. Last but not least GIVE US A VILLAIN!!!!! I want a villain that absolutely disgusts people. I want people absolutely hating the villain for destroying towns and stuff like that. If you can't say you hated Vayne or the guy from 13 you can't possibly think they did there job making a villian.