I have to eat some humble pie and admit that this game is pretty stunning. I didn't care for Oblivion, but the art direction and just overall atmosphere of Skyrim is something else. The opening was pretty average to me, but it's really nice once it lets you out in the open. Despite the graphics not being impressive on a technical scale, it is still a beautiful game and has some really nice water.

My Favorite RPGs: Divinity franchise, Gothic franchise (including Arcania, so I think I'm alone...), Venetica, Risen, Two Worlds II, The Witcher, Sacred franchise, Fallout franchise, Mass Effect 1, Alpha Protocol, Planescape: Torment, Drakensang, KOTOR 1 & 2, etc.