ok now that I've had it for a few days I'll add my change.
this pertains to the PC version.
I'm one of those people who never actually played Oblivion or any Elder Scrolls game before this, so make of that what you will. I knew this one was going to be similar in fashion to Fallout 3/Vegas being that it was designed with essentially the same formula. apparently this is a formula they've been perfecting since the original ES games. and perfection is what they may have achieved; bottom line is that I LOVE Skyrim. it hasn't really disappointed in any measurable way so far and I'm definitely getting into the meat of the experience at level 10. in fact, from what was an already impressive introductory moment, Skyrim has only gotten better the deeper I trek into its world.
I love the simple martial sword play. imo, combat doesn't need to get any more complex than how it is right now. because it feels much more believable and gritty this way. melee combat is blunt and ugly in real life; not everyone who runs around with a sword is trained in over-the-top, acrobatic, Samurai style fighting maneuvers. the simplicity of the combat only adds to the outstanding level of immersion provided by this beautiful game.
and it really is worth it to stop and look around.
as somebody else mentioned, there really hasn't been a single moment so far in Skyrim where I feel bored of my surroundings. there isn't even a bad time of day or night. no matter where I am, indoors or out, my environment is always striking and awe inspiring from the epic mountain peaks and harrowing cavern depths to the sweeping valleys, broad lakes, rushing rivers, waterfalls, swamps, and ancient forests. then there's the dungeons and various villages/cities you pass through along the way. each is unique and varied in its design while sticking with the overall theme of the universe.
I really enjoy virtually everything about the game to this point. it probably helps that I'm able to run it @ max detail with no stutter. the visuals are truly something to behold in all their glory.
the only tiny negative that I found is how the user interface handles (on the PC). it's not exactly intuitive, but it also didn't take very long to become accustomed to it. also I can see why someone might argue that certain plot elements, quests, or dialogues and NPC's are a little weak in their presentation. but the sum total of how everything is executed easily overshadows such relatively miniscule concerns. the world of Skyrim already feels much more vibrant and alive than Fallout. and not because Fallout was about a "dead" world, but because of the improved behavior and interactions of Skyrim's inhabitants.
I'm quickly finding myself lost in the game for hours, time just runs away while playing because it's so easy to get enveloped in the experience. everything has been more or less flawless up to now. if my will power was any worse I'd have to say goodbye to my friends and family for awhile, a testament to how strong the finished product really is at drawing you in.
in a time when lots of people like to clamor about the death of PC gaming, it's actually been a great year for the desktop. Assassin's Creed Brotherhood (soon to be Revelations), Portal 2, The Witcher 2, Deus Ex Human Revolution, Saints Row The Third, Battlefield 3, and now Skyrim. and that's a conservative list considering you might add Shogun 2 Total War, Batman Arkham City, RAGE, Dead Space 2, Crysis 2, and Test Drive Unlimited 2.