Choices should always matter, but that's not to say every choice matters equally. I like games with a points system where choices add or subtract from a pool and depending on your pool, unlock or lock out major decisions.
I would like to see another game from Fred Perry. Tactics Elemental was a great game and if he could make another either using his own IP or a parody game that would be fantastic.
Really getting tired of sandbox settings. Some exploration is great; a medium setting with max 40 places of interest (including building interiors). But there are some games with 80+ locations, some added in with little to no content integrated. Those are usually QSP games like Son of A Bitch...
Hearts of Iron 4. My friend was super into Hoi 2 and up until 3 years ago, didn't want to play Hoi 4 saying it was feature incomplete. Now he has thousands of hours in Hoi 4 due to mods.