I agree with a lot of what you're saying, but disagree on a few points: [*]The magic systems organization in Oblivion wasn't very good, and this is coming from someone who always bases his character off of it. There was a huge amount of overlap between the different magic classes. Mysticism vs. Illusion? It was specifically confusing how they were split up and organized, I think Skyrim's system of moving some of the more redundant spells into the same school was a good move. I didn't feel like they elimintated tons of them so much as they consolidated them. With that said, magic is far, far too weak in Skyrim when compared to something like melee. [*]Yes, Skyrim could still use more variety in finishing moves. However, compared to the old games of Morrowind/Oblivion, the combat system is hundreds of times better with variety. Oblivion/Morrowind didn't have ANY different moves or animations, much less finishing moves. I do miss the relatively complex leveling system of Oblivion, even if it was admittedly too confusing for most players. There's a happy medium to be had. If you invested your entire game around character development in Oblivion with efficient leveling, you could have a character damn near maxed in every attribute at level 15. I think it's important to note just how much more realistic the environment is in Skyrim, even looking past the graphics. Play Skyrim for a few hours, and then put in Oblivion; everything will look hilariously cartoonish and fake. Yes, Skyrim is much newer, but the improved graphics do add a great deal to the immersive aspect of the game, even if it was at the loss of some options.