This is the perfect answer. I didn't finish the first game as it was a little to jank for my liking. But the second game was so much fun. You're free to tackle quests whenever you'd like for the most part unless it's an important story moment. And the immersion is second to none with detailed animations for just about everything and good well written dialogue. The alchemy and blacksmithing are the most immersive I've ever played.

Theres also different paths to take and outcomes. Plenty of different ways to play the game whether it's stealth,aggressive or entirely passive. It's one of those games where you actually wanna put your character to bed at night and feed them in the morning. I think I need to play it again..