I think Bioware Was also very good at this. They created Two new Universes (Mass Effect and Dragon Age) And you learned much about the creatures and cultures of each world you traveled to rather quickly. One example that pops up to mind is the first visit to Orzammar in dragon age. The first thing you see is the two would be kings arguing and quickly turn to violence. and then you have another great scene at the assembly. you also have the hilarious couriers each candidate has near his estate. these things do much to teach us about who's who and what everyone wants.
