ok, i just have to mention this at least. Much as I loved (and still love and play some) Oblivion - one thing that really bugged me and I was really hoping Bethesda would change, was the hues of the game world.
How disappointing then, that despite all the lovely deep detailing of Skyrims graphics, right down to patterning butterfly wings, the game environment still looks like is been painted from a kiddies water colour paintbox set!

Look at many other modern games like the GTA and Modern Warfare offerings and they look darn near photo realistic, like watching a movie almost. Skyrim on the other hand keeps reminding me that its 'just a game' by displaying pastel looking textures (except water -- I looove the water effects in skyrim).

So, again I have to ask, for a game that prides itself on realism and the suspension of disbelief, why oh why can't we have an environment that looks much more like real life in hue and texture. Its such a shame because the graphic detail is certainly there practically down to splinters in the wood......

!!!

What's wrong with the palette of the game? I think the colors are much more realistic than Oblivion's. Go play Skyrim for an hour, then load up an old save in Oblivion and go run around somewhere green. The colors are so primary-pure you'll think you stepped into a Super Mario Brothers game.

Although I have to give you points for mentioning an FPS game. Too much FPS-hatin' going on around here...

Why does everything have to be photolistic? I like how Skyrim is. I am glad it's not photlistic. I rather wish it was more fantasy exotic like Morrowind than real life. If I want real life, I would go outside in the real world.

I want Fantasy to get away, I don't want real life. Skyrim reminds me too much of Northern Canada. Those bloody Moose. Thing is the Moose is way to small, they should be twice the size they are.

Outdoor scenes should convey a sense that you're really walking around in that environment. Besides, the landscape of Tamriel is Earthlike. If you want a more alien landscape you might need to find a sci-fi game. Been a while since I've played Mass Effect 2, but there were some non-Earthlike worlds in that one.

I agree, it's sorta pixleated at times too.

Console?

Yes, the colours are more realistic than Oblivion's true, but a long way from real world.

Ok, not all games have to be photo realistic, I'd never push that view and if you really like cartoony colouring to get that fantasy world feel then maybe 'Zelda' would suit better. But thats not for me and not for a game world that, as I say, actually aims to be realistically detailed. I sense that Bethesda kinda deliberatly use the slightly pastel hues as a sort of corporate image/style. I would love to see a close to photo real TES game though - it would blow you away - like you're really there, total immersion............

I agree with the others. Skyrim looks more "real" to me than any other game in the series. If anything, it's almost too real, too gritty in spots. I find myself actually longing for a bit of Oblivion's warmer colors now and then.

I was gonna flip at you for saying MW3 graphic's are photo realistic (they look like absolute crap), but it's Christmas. So I'll just say this. Skyrim's graphics are meant to be viewed as art, that way walking around is actually a joy, rather than seeing "realistic" trees that we all see everyday. Skyrim also, not only, has a better art style than both those games, but the actual technology behind it is better too.

My friend's all laud Skyrim right off the bat for it's "absolutely amazing, jaw-dropping graphics". And they all primarily play CoD, so that just goes to show you how bad MW3's graphics are.

Well, there are places where there's plenty of green. The southwestern parts of the map in particular have plenty of green evergreen trees, if I remember correctly. I agree that it could get a bit old if the whole game were bleak tundra; that was one of my fears before the game came out, that the whole place would look like a snowy hell. I couldn't play the game for extended lengths of time if they had done that, but thankfully they also have some lush places in addition to the more barren areas.

I only mention MW as an example, there are admittedly probably better candidates for near photo realistic graphics, but you get my point. Yes, of course TES V has the best graphics in the TES range, no dispute and I hope i was clear that i think the DETAIL is amazing!
Its the colouring i'm on about. Yes, the mechanics behind it are all very complex and like most folks i think, i have followed all Beths behind the scenes vids and interviews prior to release, i can see the work they've put in. No argument. Yet still, i like rpgs to look as lifelike, and so, believable as possible. Therfore what value is there is not having it look real in colouration. Maybe i should feel lucky its not cell-shaded?
Well - i'm holding out for the day we get one so real looking you'll think its a movie - its gonna come

Maybe its your screen?