Protagonist
The most important thing to me is to be able to identify with the protagonist. No, having the same skin color / gender / orientation as me has nothing to do with it. I mean that they must be likeable, relatable, and most importantly have goals that I think are worth pursuing, the rest is superficial.
Setting
No matter how good or relatable the hero is, if the game is set in an uninteresting, or restrictive environment it won't work.
Realism
It is important that the game follows basic laws of physics in all departments. Eg: having a motorcycle engine powered minigun is no bueno (yes I'm referring to far cry 6) Also weapons should have the expected stopping power, so no bullet sponge nonsense. I want limbs flying and minced meat after an explosion, not enemies emerging from the blast unscathed or getting up after two magazines were emptied into them. Let alone surviving headshots.