1Up - Settings for the RPG

The Grind Column at 1UP examines how different settings for an RPG can help present the game. Fallout, Oblivion and a few other RPGs are mentioned. Here's a snip:

RPGs have perhaps adhered more closely to the swords and sorcery model than other genres over the years. That holds true on both sides of the ocean, whether we're talking about Elder Scrolls or Dragon Quest, Ultima Online or Lineage. Given that many RPG can trace their roots back to tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, that's perhaps not too surprising. But when an RPG begins to branch out and truly embrace its setting, I can't help but take notice, because the results are often very interesting.

Source: GameBanshee