If the factions are intended to be distinct, I'd say3 or more(Blizzard RTS). If the factions are slight moderations of a template, I'd say8 or more(AoE 2).

I would like to see an RTS that has ONE faction, but with lots of breadth and depth in the technology tree.

With no offense to the OP, I think and the discussion of the other posts show that the posted poll needs to be reworked a bit ;)

It depends on over how much time they expand a series. Generally, no, I prefer seeing new IPs and games that are self containing. I often find that sequals muck up lore, history and over define aspects that were more interesting when they were mysterious. They also have a tendency to be too similar to their predecessor and give off a "already been done" feeling.
Sequals that are launched over a period of years I do like. They tend to sit back and watch the genre evolve some, and then come back and turn their IP into a fantastic refinement or evolution of the genre. Sure, my original complaint about the setting still holds, but it's over a slower period of time, so it doesn't burn as bad.

Life Simulator: Sims ...this game definatley surpassed any previous 'Life Simulators' (if there were any) and tapped all new sectors of the markets.

Casual/Puzzle: Bejewled ...I'm always surprised at where I find adaptions of the gem swapping mechanic. They put a polished gloss over the simple puzzle games and added modes for speedsters, thinkers and the bored.

Action RPG: Diablo ...most modern action-RPGs seem like refined versions of the original Diablo

Modern RTS: CoH ...the devolopers intentionally focused on removing resource gathering and base building in exchange for more combat time. CoH also introduced smarter individual units, increased the importance of the environment, encouraged movement over turtling among many other things. Yes, some other games had prodding into these improvements, but CoH put them into a single integrated system.

Simulator (prediction): Spore ...nothing quite like Spore has been done before.

I disagree with RPG being PC exclusive. I have no problem with RPGs being on as many systems as possible. Some creative control schemes can really cater to RPGs being on the console market.
HOWEVER, if I find another RPG on my PC with an interface designed for consoles...kittens die. As well, I agree that RPGs have a far greater value on the PC due to mods and a tighter online community.

Streets of Rage 4
A gritty medieval (not high fantasty, thanks!) party based RPG
Tribes 3 (back to bigger worlds and vehicle focus, unlike Vengeance)
Rune 2 (The online for Rune was surprisingly awesome)

[QUOTE="EnigManic"]

First FPS in which you could level up your character?

Perfect Dark

TheGrayEye

Your way off the mark there pal lol

I played PD extensively and can't for the life of me remeber 'levelling up' Joan. ...is my memory just shot or something?

I want to know what the first FPS with a story as a central part of the game was...