My problem with the Elder Scrolls is that they lack story, choice and tangible consequence. In the great tapestries of interwoven choices, consequences and drama, Elder Scrolls is what Days of Our Lives is to Star Wars.
Yes, Elder Scrolls has a market and there are people who enjoy it but... I'm not one of those people. Skyrim may be different, it may be that Bethesda have finally learnt what makes an RPG tick rather than just creating another pretty world with lifeless characters and meaningless character development. I doubt it, but I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
Stories are the key to any real RPG. A story that you, as the role-player, affect.
Incorrect. Oblivion was a sandbox RPG. And even as an RPG, it was more of an action-adventure game with some RPG mechanics than an actual born-and-bred RPG. The Witcher was a true, die-hard RPG no different to Dragon Age, Mass Effect, Planescape, Arcanum or others.
Other sandbox RPGs include Two Worlds, Gothic and Risen.
Also, can't believe you never managed to get into The Witcher. It was a beautiful and amazing game. Plus, it had boobies
Also, I feel The Witcher is a much darker RPG than Dragon Age and that is a large part in what captivates my heart.