Took the plunge on this game after reading this thread even though I've never played the previous instalments.
I have been signed off work for the past two weeks and all I've done is play this game. Absolutely love it.
Started out as a Nord warrior but quickly discovered this wasn't the direction I wanted to go. Started again but this time as a Dark Elf. I joined the College of Winterhold to train as a mage but I'm now concentrating on being a thieving, murdering archer assassin with Archery, Sneak & Smithing skills to make and upgrade my weapons/ armour.
Haven't really done much of the main storyline as I'm enjoying the smaller quests of the thieves guide and the dark brotherhood.