» Wed Aug 17, 2011 4:01 am RPG players have been conditioned to specialize their characters, and that's reflected in most of the responses here. It certainly makes sense in party-based RPGs, where you would want to have a high-level mage (DPS/healer), warrior (tank), rogue (DPS), etc., versus a bunch of JOATs.
I think single-player RPGs like TES are a somewhat different animal, though, and thus are more lenient with JOAT-type players. I played Oblivion with a Dark Elf who split his skills between magic and edged weapons. I only played the game once, for about 170 hours in total. Now to some, that's barely scratching the surface of the game, but it's all some people have the time and energy for, so I respect the fact that Bethesda creates games that actually allow you to experience just about everything with one playthrough if you so choose. Their credo, after all, is to let the player play however they want to, not the way that they dictate. And not the way that other RPG players think you should play.
I think single-player RPGs like TES are a somewhat different animal, though, and thus are more lenient with JOAT-type players. I played Oblivion with a Dark Elf who split his skills between magic and edged weapons. I only played the game once, for about 170 hours in total. Now to some, that's barely scratching the surface of the game, but it's all some people have the time and energy for, so I respect the fact that Bethesda creates games that actually allow you to experience just about everything with one playthrough if you so choose. Their credo, after all, is to let the player play however they want to, not the way that they dictate. And not the way that other RPG players think you should play.
This dude, dont let anyone tell you how to play the game.
I am an RP'er. I like to create a backstory and a personality for my character, and create his story through my play. But that's not for everyone. Some people want to make an uber wtf pwned character and beat the game. That's cool too.
Skyrim will give you the opportunity to JOAT. You can level up whatever skills you want. You can only perk a few, but you can level up any and all of em.
Bethesda games allow you to play how you want. Don't let anyone tell you you cant play a certain way.
I love my claymore wielding, heavy armor donning tank that summons skeletons and casts Shield spells and is in the Mage's Guild.
