Must have:
-Horizontal progression. Not vertical, not quadratic, horizontal. EVERYTHING is a side-grade.
-More functions than just "shoot, heal, move." I know it's a 'shooter' but it's also 2016. Let's evolve a bit.
-NPC's and content that make sense on a fifth grade level.
-Weapons and gear that are useful on their own merits instead of stat-sticks.
-Gliders: that was actually a cool way to traverse. Not flight, but more fun and faster than walking.
-Vehicles that DO things and are actually called for in the world.
-Vehicle parts and tuning. If we get 'em, let us tinker with em. Hell, make it a crafting skill if you want.
-Efficient and responsive menus.
-Well-organized, minimalist UI that knows when to stop taking up my screen.
-Well-delivered voice acting. It's either good or maddeningly terrible; there is no gray area here. (Aero: good. Santa: BAD.)
-Choice and consequence on every level. fuel, ammo, repairs, all of it.
-Challenge. I'm sick of games that roll over and die "to appeal to the less-skilled" then get boring in a week. RAMP IT UP.
-Usable, responsive melee. BY DEFAULT.
-Reasons to group up, form companies, and go on missions together.
-Things that actually THREATEN our towns and establishments. It's a WAR, isn't it?
-Enemies that ACTUALLY WANT TO KILL US.
Must not have:
-Bigger numbers, bigger numbers, and more bigger numbers.
-Disposable starter options (T1 frames in lieu of T2, etc.) Stop making things just to throw them away.
-That one guy who's on the comms as accord command and that nerve-grating santa wannabe. GOD his acting's so bad.
-An enforced MMO trinity (DPS, tank, healer. NO. BAD. WRONG. STOP IT.)
-Bullet sponge bosses that stand around exposed like idiots, but take twenty minutes and thirty million bullets in the face.
-Unlimited ammo. FOR ANYTHING. EVER. Even If it's battery powered, it needs to tax a power source somewhere.
-Level gated zones. In fact, levels. Just stop it.
-Gameplay options that completely invalidate part of the challenge and nuance of the world. It's nuanced for a reason.
-Unnecessary vehicle collecting. Oooh, the same bike, but it's RED! NO. Let me pay to paint the one I have, damnit.
-Seriously, If I want to get another vehicle, let me earn it. If I just want different colors, let me get it painted. I mean it.
-Melee that takes as long as reloading. Powered exosuits with jumpjets...and we can't swing a weightless blade properly???
-No, really, that santa guy. Seriously, I wanted an option to turn off ALL CLIPS OF HIS VOICE. He was THAT BAD.
-Extra popups, confirmation windows, unneeded menu layers and extra clicks. I'm not kidding; I will hate you on principle.
both lists can go on for quite awhile, but I'll be merciful and stop here for now...