I'm thinking Fallout 3 level, in this regard. If what I've heard about Fallout 3 style level-scaling being in Skyrim is true, I assume that means item-scaling will be going, taking artifacts being permanently stuck at the level you obtain them with it. I hated that, but I'm hoping for just a simple unique weapon/piece of armor being placed here and there, even if among containers full of random loot. I found the occasional cool backstory/design in Oblivion's dungeons, but that's not enough for me. I hope for a combination of unique backstories, designs, and hand-placed items of value at a higher rate than one of every 10-15 dungeons having some oddity in them. I thought Fallout 3 was perfect, in that regard, though... better than any Elder Scrolls game before it. My first set of ebony armor in Morrowind was found in the bottom of a Daedric ruin and was pretty rare. I want to relive that experience.

It is. Confirmed in a forum post by Gstaff.

I also did a run down of the Fallout level-scaling system if you want to take a look at it in my thread. It's almost certainly not the exact system used in Skyrim but it will give you an idea of the ballpark that the system will be in.

You definitely need to get yourself a copy of the Game Informer magazine then.

But yes, I fully agree with you that I don't just want to see artifacts scattered around like someone was busy playing the Easter Bunny; but also mundane as well as rare items being spread around in a natural way.

So finding skeletal remains wearing mismatched armor (with one rare piece like Glass/Ebony) that had its leg pinned by a rock and he died there. I want to feel what it would have been for that person to be trapped there with no way out. I want to have emotional attachments and memorable moments like only a living breathing gameworld could provide.

I definitely want to buy a copy. They just didn't have any, last time I checked, and I'm just waiting until Friday to check again.

I didn't find one rare piece, though. The guy was wearing a nearly complete set of ebony with only the helmet missing. I got the armor, but had trouble deciding what to drop.

As far as the graphics go, I can't say in terms of technology, or say that they blew me away. Obviously, they will be at least a little improved over Oblivion. What I like though is that the design of objects and characters seems better. Oblivion was kind of "rounded and shiny," in terms of people, buildings, environments. There's pictures of wolves in Skyrim that I would describe as rangy. You can see veins bulge under someones hand or bicep. They are still a little bright, but I think that's just for details sake.

That's how it should be as long as when we've played it once we know where to find it on the next run through. Makes the next one you find more usable.
I agree on the armor. The regular lowlife scum of a highway bandit using rare material equipment was the worst thing ever. He uses a daedric equipment worth 10000-15000 gold to scare me out of 100 gold? Seriously? The hunt for rare material equipment is one of the major unscripted quests in the game, even if it's only for display and the knowledge you *do* have it.



I though it was very fitting, and subtle enough to be believable. Towns were very distinct. I know many prefer MW, but that was just way too extreme for me. It suited the style of the game well, but the style of the game just didn't play well with me.