By looking at the game images, I think I like D:OS2 better then D:OS1. But for me, story and atmoshpere are more important than graphic. So If I must choose, I prefer Crono Trigger over Skyrim.
Regarding the landscape images, the first 2 look really strongly edited (I am not an expert for photography or image editing). In fact, when I looked at the second image, first I thought it is a painting and not a photo.
I hope I see something like this on my vacation. I made some good photos that looked nice even without editing.
Regarding the "darker" setting: Right now I play DA:O (very good game despite the archetypical story: You are the only one who can save the world fom an ancient evil).
Does "dark" mean that your chars are covered in blood all over?
While DA:O looks good in general, it feels strange when you talk to villagers while all of your cloth and skin is full of blood and nobody cares, though all other villagers (including knights or other fighters) are clean.

Prof. Dr. Dr. Mad S. Tist

World leading expert of artificial stupidity.
Because there are too many people who work on artificial intelligence already