This is not an RPG. It's a first person action/adventure game with RPG elements. That said, the world is incredibly engaging. I actually think the move away from skill points to a perk based leveling system did wonders for the franchise, and customizing your build is incredibly addicting and fun. This of course adds into the satisfying gameplay loop of explore -> loot ->level up -> repeat that has us coming back to Skyrim over and over again.
The story is generic and told through stilted dialogue. No shade to the voice actors, some of the performances have a lot of character, but the script is flat and generic. Player choice has very little input in the story. Some side quests present 2 slightly different endings, and there are quest lines that can be pursued on either side of a conflict, but compared to other contemporary RPGs, it feels more like a facade of dialogue trees.
You just need to have realistic expectations to enjoy Skyrim, but if you can take it casually its a great world to hang out in.