The problem with level scaling lies in the problem with power, it does not really exists. With that I mean it doesn't have an absolute value. Just a lot of power doesn't mean anything if its just a number or a value. Power only "exists" when you compare two numbers/values and you see their difference. And that is the exact problem with level scaling. It lessens the difference and makes you feel less powerful.

I do of course see the need for level scaling. I guess its most essential function is that it is easier to work with for the developers. And the less time focused on the monsters the more time can be focused on more important stuff, like quests or lore. But the monster killing part is probably the most important factor of feeling powerful in the game. And that is not something you should compromise with. The most helpful thing about level scaling for the developers is probably that its so much easier to balance the game and gradually make it more challenging, especially compared to the manual way of doing it (=no level scaling).

As I mentioned above there are more important stuff in a game than the feeling of power. I'd say the most important aspect of any game (whatsoever) is that it feels real. This is essentially what makes the Elder Scrolls games good to begin with (because to be honest, Elder Scrolls neither have very good graphics, story or combat). Elder Scrolls is extremely lore rich and it manages to create a believable and wonderful world. So back to topic. What ultimately annoyed me the most about the daedric wearing bandits in late game, the very mediocre treasures in early game and the fact that an ogre was stronger than mankar camoran, it was because it was not realistic.

I think there are ways you can keep the realism in a game without level scaling and still keep it fairly balanced. One thing i would like to see in TES V is groups of enemies, this would both be: realistic, it would be challenging and it would create a difference in power (if I barly could kill one bandit 5 levels ago and I now can barly kill 3 bandits, it results in a difference of three in power).

Its time for a new thread I hate 200.

There's always a way to abuse any system, whether it's scaled or not. These exploits are themselves a way to "break" the game and I don't see this as a unique problem to a game that lacks extensive level scaling. I don't think there's yet been an RPG released that didn't allow the potential for some sort of game ruining exploit to those who went out of their way to find it.

At the end of the day we're balancing a fundamental issue with the game that affects everybody's gaming experience (excessive level scaling) with the potential that a few people can go out of their way and use an exploit to get an advantage (something that only affects the few who bother to do it and would happen in some form anyway).

But with Oblivion you couldn't really get broken weapons and armor early on. The only broken weapon you could get early on was Umbra and thats if you actually beat her and have an Armorer skill over 50.

What matters most in role playing games is exploration.

The possibilities and dangers stretch ahead of you. New discoveries to be made and puzzles to solve. Mysteries that will make you think when you are around a bonfire, all alone in the wilderness. Sitting on the ground on a ridge, listening to the weird sounds and looking down at the eerie landscape in front of you.

You stumble upon an old campsite, with scattered items. You may have to match wits and swords to investigate. When you do, you feel a sense of accomplishment.

And sometimes you barely escape with your life, but you remember. Remember that spot, maybe you mark it on your old map. For future, when you are better equipped and trained. That opportunity saved for later, draws your mind. You feel you are in a living world, there are difficulties around you, dangers but rewards and great riches as well.

Because you know you have to plan things, you cannot rush into every hole you find. You have to think and protect yourself.

So no level scaling.

Thats true but then again I don't want people to exploit something just to get a broken piece of equipment that makes the game easier. In Oblivion you couldn't really do that

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