Both Final Fantasy and TES are role playing games. I can play skyrim through to completion but never follow the same path twice. Its hard to just go off in final fantasy X and screw around for a while.

 

Skyrim offers far more variety in an RPG than a Final Fantasty game. Which starting race you choose, what is your vocation (eg magic, swords, archery etc.) Singleplayer Final Fantasy games have never really been that big on 'choose your own adventure' or into 'sandbox' gameplay.

 

Final Fantasy games tend to have a more linear path to reach a conclusion whereas Skyrim allows you to ignore the primary quest and do other things if you want.

 

Final Fantasy chooses your 'role' for you whereas Skyrim lets you do whatever the hell you want. Want to go around slaying giants and mammoths for a few hours, sure why not. Want to master magic or master stealth and become a great mage or thief. Go ahead and do it.  Nothing is stopping you from doing that.

 

I have never played FFXIII so I cannot say anything about that game but if its at all like FFX then my observations should still hold up.

Iffy350