The central story of the game -- the unwelcome return of the fearsome dragons -- is told in the main quest. As the main character, you're free to move this quest forward at any pace you like. Feel like developing your education with the mage guild for a dozen hours or so? No problem. Or is it time to indulge in some stealthy assassinations? The main quest will be waiting for you when you are ready.

This system really makes you feel that you are in control of your overall experience in the world of Skyrim. It also gives you meaningful chances to actually role-play, as many of the quests have serious moral and political choices to make.

You also don't have to go it alone. There are many recruitable characters in the game who can help you on your adventures.

1) you can name all the gods

2) you say oblivion instead of god when surprised

3) you have a very long argument about the war and whos side should you take

4) you start yelling at the characters though the tv like its a sports game

5) you get emotionally attached to the characters

6) you know the history of all the holds off the top of you're head

7) you have a fight about how a vampire or werewolf is better

8) you have a fight about some of the decision you made in the game

9) you tell you friends to worship a certain god