Please, mention only the most important aspects.
I'll start.
1) Investigation, and room for a deductive method.
2) Plot-driven combats (not too often).
3) Possibility to obtain crucial information via at least three different sources at the each stage of an adventure.
4) Ability to affect the ending and witness long-term consequences of PCs' actions.
***
What is it for you and your group?
1/ Understanding between GM and players how to play the game for the greatest fun of all
2/ good deal of Warhammer40kness as in Matt Farrer´s Calpurnia Serie
3/ portion of Fun as in Sandy Mitchell´s Ciaphas Cain novels
4/ small but amtospheric bit of Grim Darkness as in Anthony Reynolds´ Word Bearers
5/ CMoA and getting awestruck from turns of adventure, feats of character and sheer insane malice of story
Player participation that drives the story is key for an enjoyable session. The best campaigns are ones where the goal is clear, but there are any number of paths to achieve it.
Think of a few 'set pieces' that you definitely want your players to encounter, but let them flow naturally from one to the next. Don't give them clear instructions on how to do something, just tell them where their goal is and what resources they have at their disposal. Let them think of how to get it. They WILL think of how to get it, and it'll be more creative than you'd have imagined. Now of course, some times this leads to unexpected consequences... but that's half the fun, isn't it?
TorogTarkdacil said:
2/ good deal of Warhammer40kness as in Matt Farrer´s Calpurnia Serie
The above more than anything else.
The other thing (which for me is true in any story, not just an RPG )is a good setup / payoff. This is where you plant information early on, but then it takes on a new meaning or significance when other information is revealed or other events happen. I am good at doing this over campaigns, but need to improve my ability to do it over a single adventure.
It's also important to me both as a player and a GM that the story resonates on a personal level with the characters.
There's a very similar, and much longer thread, here URL http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_foros_discusion.asp?efid=101&efcid=3&efidt=206575
Oh thanks, exactly what I needed.