Bethesda's games simply play differently. You have way more freedom in your character story, routes, desires, etc. That's why I really dislike Fallout 4, because you don't have that freedom, your character is a good father, you can't neglect your child and that's not what those games mean to me.
I really love bethesda and I think that Starfield and The Elder Scrolls VI will beat Skyrim, but I agree with you, it is one of the greatest games of all time.