If I haven't played either yet, should I first play Morrowind, or just skip on to Oblivion? The storylines aren't directly connected right?
Storylines arent directly connected although there are some mentions of the main character from Morrowind in Oblivion. I like morrowind more than oblivion, but it has worse graphics and the battle system sucks. You do not need to play Morrowind to get the full experience of Oblivion.
Morrowind is better then Oblivion. So if you want to enjoy Oblivion's graphics and battle system and not notice it's mayor flaws, I suggest you don't play Morrowind first. Maybe after.
Most hardcore RPG gamers like Morrowind more, but most casual RPG gamers tend to like Oblivion due to the bolded text above. Try both though GOTY morrowind is only 20 bucks.
Are the flaws really noticeable or is it something only a hardcore gamer would notice? I don't care much for graphics, but I do think a good battle system is important.
Yes, I guess they are noticable. About what I said earlier, I think you should play Morrowind first. The only thing that annoyed me when I played Morrowind after I nearly finished the main quest in Oblivion is the fast travel system, I got used to it to much.
story lines are completly different allthough it doesn mention bits from morrowind in obilivion ..but nothing you cant understand xD oblivions cool