Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

D&D meets Star Wars. Need I say more? This is something you have to try. You have a team and you can customize each member, as well as build relationships with them individually. Some of them you'll hate and some you'll love. The weapons are also customizable (including your lightsabers!). It really lets you do what you want in the Star Wars universe.

For example, you are literally offered a choice between peacefully resolving an argument or mind-tricking people to chuck themselves into space. Of course, this does affect your alignment and this game gives it more than just stat changes. Not only will people treat you differently, but your appearance can also change. Man, that dark-side sure looks cool.

Finally, it has THE best plot twist in video game history! Not about to spoil it for you, though.

If you like this, you might also enjoy: Knights of the Old Republic 2 (not as great, but still a good game), any of the "cinema games" above (unless you're into it just because it's Star Wars)

Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

You may have heard of Oblivion, you may have heard of Skyrim, but if you played Morrowind, those two games will feel bland and watered-down. In comparison, Morrowind has a very serious tone. The world doesn't shine, it's not bright, the steel isn't polished and there are towns the sun never reaches.

The flow of the game is well executed too. It's an Elder Scrolls game, so the character improves in the skills he uses. Very natural growth and I love it like that. It also lets you pick a class that "suits you" by answering questions, a class from a list or even allows you to create your own class.

What really sets Morrwind apart though, is that it rewards risk. If you're good at sneaking, you can grab yourself a set of incredible gear that's far beyond your level at the very start of the game. However, it does take exploration, bravery and skill to actually manage. The game is packed with little details like this that reward the risk-taker.

If you like this, you might also enjoy: the Elder Scrolls series, Fallout 3, Fallout New Vegas