JRPGs used to be prone to lifeless lead characters who'd never say a word. Once I started playing RPGs where the character HAD a personality I found that was very preferable. Then I played Knights of the Old Republic and Fable and found that not only could your character have a personality but you could control it. And your actions and responses would have effects and consequinces

This is something that Oblivion is severly lacking. But more damning to that game, for me, is the fact that you're UTTERLY ALONE. There's people around. But no life. There's nothing. As BoB said. Not nearly enough emotional attachment. JRPGs and KOTOR type games would deliver this in spades

Though I guess it has its down side. I quit playing Mass Effect because it forces a horrible consequince on you no matter what choice you make during a certain part of the game. Not even giving me the option of choices I would LIKE to have made in that scenario to avoid that crap all together. Nooo you must suffer :[

I'm all for causing the player to have emotional attachments. And making them feel something for a certain event. But if you're going to give choices throughout the whole game. Don't force options all of a sudden just to get your point across

I'm currenly playing through the Baldur's Gate series again. Back when BioWare knew what they were doing xD

I miss the days before Jade Empire