So I've played the fallout games(3 and new Vegas anyway). I've never played any of the elder scrolls games. Should I make the jump to skyrim. I still play the fallout games. I still like them but I'm looking for something new to play to get me over till the new fallout game comes out(assuming they are making one and I'm sure they are). I was thinking of picking up the legendary edition but didn't want to spend the money if I wouldn't like it. I guess what I'm looking for are other fallout players that like skyrim. Is it the same type game or is it not the same play style. I know its swords and bow and arrows instead of missle launchers and machine guns but is it still non linear?Do you have unique items and Weapons and a house to store them in? Do you get to roam around and do whatever you want to, whenever you want to? How is the exploration? Are there good companions? I don't want any spoilers but I wanna know how it compares to fallout in these categories and anything else you guys feel someone needs to know before making the jump. Sorry this post is so long just figured this was the best place to go for help especially if this thread and you guys are as helpful as the guys on the fallout forums. I'm sure some of you are on both.

Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.

You will notice a lack of "writing depth" in comparison to New Vegas though, but that's pretty much it. If you like Fallout for free-roaming then you will love TES.

I have a hard time deciding which is my all time favorite. Fallout3 or Skyrim.

The open world and random encounters are very similar. I didn't care for NV because there are very few random encounters and it really encourages fast travel.

If you love FO3, you'll love Skyrim.

It doesn't have to be linear at all. Once you get just a little way into it, you can buy a house to save your stuff. You don't have to do any quests at all if you don't want to.

You have your choice of many companions, all with different styles of combat. And they really work pretty well. Or go solo. You can have the ability to just conjure up a temporary companion if that's what you want to help you in battle. It goes away after a minute or 2.

You can enchant lots of the standard weapons and clothing/armor to suite your tastes. Lots of different effects.

There's also Named weapons and stuff that are better than standard.

There's really a lot to it. I got it release day, play it regularly, and still learn and find new things.

Most of your questions can be answered Yes.
In a broad sense, the games play in a similar manner.

Although skills and leveling work completely different (you gain experience as your skills increase from using them, instead of earning experience points for completing quests) but otherwise many aspects retain the same "open-world exploration, play however I want, gather loot, and meet interesting NPCs" style.

You can ignore the main quest and wander, or join a faction and earn some gold, or just go hunt dragons and trolls (or rabbits.)
Basically, if you like Fallout but want fantasy instead of Sci-fi, you will like it.

It's not as gritty and violent as Fallout (advlt themes and language are toned down a lot) but you can still chop off heads and see blood everywhere

Are you prepared to forsake your social life? to devote all your time to The Elder Scrolls and make it your only true priority?

That world isn't for the weak, boy.

Fallout 3 is by far my favorite. Based on what I'm seeing from you guys I may go pick it up. I am still a little skeptical. At the same time I know Bethesda's style so it should be good. I've just never played any fantacy games like that. Thanks guys.

Pretty much, if you're a fan of Bethesda's styled RPG and can tolerate fantasy, you'll have no problem.

As a person who was in your situation reversed I would highly recommend it op, you would probably enjoy it. I was the other way around a few years ago, tried fallout 3 for the first time and loved it just as much as elder scrolls, there both wonderful open world games by bethesda, its hard to like one and hate the other

If you're really wondering, don't. I don't want to see you come back here in a few days saying "Hey, guys, I followed your advice and bought the game, but it stinks and svcks!!! Thanks for helping me wasting my money!!!"

Oh come on. That wasn't called for. Dx

I think he enjoys other Bethesda games and genuinely wants advice.

Hmmm. As a former Oblivion freak, I would recommend that you try playing Oblivion first. My reasoning is that you're used to Fallouts graphics and world, so I think you will be pleasantly suprised once you play Oblivion, and then as soon as your done with that, you can hop into Skyrim!

Yes, I think you should. If you like the Fallout games, you will probably like Skyrim too.

This question should in all possible cases be answered with yes.

No matter what your gaming background, experience, general interests or anything whatsoever. Should you play Skyrim? Hell yes, you should!

Spread the word, my friends!