Well the XBox 360 is being released this upcoming November, and Revoltuion and PS3 should debut within the following year. So, let's make a list of things we want to see in next-generation RPG's. I can think of a few.
1) Randomly generated spell-casting. As in what the spells look like themselves. Generally, the programmers will make, say, 100 unique spells. But, every time you cast them, they look EXACTLY the same. We have the technology and programming skills to make variations within the same spell each time it's cast. Take CC's "Volcano", for instance. Does it have to come out the exact samed way every time? Do the rocks have to fly at the same angle and speed every time? Let's put in some randomization code and keep things fresh.
2) Figure out a way to keep our eyes fixed on the actual screen. I probably spend 95% of my time in battle looking at the damn menu on the bottom (top) of the screen. And let's face it, text is boring. Let's find a creative way (if menus are involved) to redo them and have everythign on the screen, so you're watching the action. They say don't fix what isn't broken, but IMO, menus on the bottom of the screen are broken.
That's really all I can think of for now... anything that's major at least. Continue onward.[/b]