We tried to gatekeep it, we did what we could. But Fallout 4, it really was just designed as a giant slap in the face to FNV or even the faintest of idea that Bethesda could ever redeem itself.
I think it's the general tone and art style of Wasteland 1 and 2 as well.
Both have humor in it but 2 does try to take itself a lot more seriously and presents its world and characters and factions as a lot more gritty.
1 had flare. Pizaz.
The overarching story of Mass Effect pretty much pissed me off so I never finished the series.
Considering the time investment that Mass Effect is I don't really think it is worth it at this point.
It's too bad too cause ME1 built up a great space opera and ME2 had some wicked side stories and...
Oh Graves.... Oh you silly boy. I'm not talking about a popularity contest within actual RPG circles. I'm talking about a popularity contest within (casual) gamers(tm) circles.