I'm not really a gamer as such, but years ago i bought the game Skyrim and played it thru. i put it aside like a lot of us and then picked it up again years later, played it again a little differently. Now for the 3rd time i am playing it. I think what just absolutely fascinates me is the graphics. this time around i am really just traveling and admiring the scenery and occasionally doing a mission. I'm 59 and this may sound strange but now I go thru it as a way to just relax. I will get to spots in the game and just gaze. I know that Bethesda has come out with the Tamriel game for the newer console and no, i haven't played it yet, but i wish they would go back to what made Skyrim so special, the overall feeling of being there in that world and the awesome beauty it displayed. Just wanted to add my opinion for what it is worth.

I love the scenery as well. Humans have destroyed and overpopulated much of our existing natural world, and Skyrim gives us the opportunity to enjoy a more "untouched" and clean world that most of us will never get to experience in reality. It's a "vacation" away from the human horde that can now only take place in the virtual realm.

I've played Skyrim since release on the 360 first, then on PC.. the Graphics and the ability to just explore is what keep's me playing. Yes their are games with better graphics, my husband plays some first person shooters that have better graphics, but they are very linear and not fun for me. The other thing that keep's me playing is the awesome modding community.. the added content... so much that you almost have a whole other game.

heh, heh, after posting my comment i was playing the game again and was thinking to myself this is my virtual hiking game. lol not exactly the same, but i'm sure you know what i mean. the other game i play that does the same for me is Red Dead Redemption. i guess i'm a svcker for the ambience of these games. I'm sure if i looked around there are others that are similar in that aspect.

Well you just hit on my other favorite game... I play RDR when I want a break from Skyrim... as different as it is, it's still beautiful. I do understand about the Hiking around, I do that a lot, in both games.... Dragon age Inquisition also, though the scenery isn't as beautiful.

Agreed, i've played it so much it just feels like home. And yes Red Dead Redemption is a great game. Probably my second favourite of all time (behind Skyrim).

Agreed. A lot of it has to do with the setting I think. Northern/mountainous landscapes will do that to you -- it's harsh and unforgiving yet so calm and relaxing at the same time. Bethesda has done an incredible job with the feel of northern environments. I believe this is a large part of what keeps bringing me back to the game. It will be hard for them to match this in their next TES game, in my opinion.

EDIT: Agreed about Red Dead Redemption. Pretty awesome world right there.