So, Skyrim's out 11/11/11

[kandrathe]

My biggest concern at the moment is the ability to power level beyond your capabilities.

As with other TES titles, my biggest concern is taking an action that renders a future quest impossible to complete (e.g. Talk to xyz -- oops I killed him.) So, with Oblivion, and Morrowind as well, I tended to choose my characters desired progression, and then ensured those quest lines get done before venturing into found caves, and lairs. For example, I happened to be skimming the uespwiki on the Companions quest chain towards becoming the new Harbinger, and I noticed it conflicts with a Mage college quest if you do them out of order (Purity of Revenge after some quest given by the Jarl of Winterhold). So, this is timely. I've just diverted from the Companion quest line, filled with remorse over the death of my buddy Skjor, to take a break and finally go get that degree in the magical arts I've always wanted. Maybe if I'd been more skilled in restorative skills I would have been able to save him. But, now I know I need to return to my Companion friends to get and complete the quest line for Purity of Revenge, or face to possibility of being stuck due to the Jarl of Winterholds quest.

But... That is the price paid for having an entirely open game where the player can do things in any order they please. I was worried about my beginning since I followed Hadvar to Riverwood, ended up doing the Golden Claw quest to Bleak Falls Barrow where I picked up the dragon stone, before potentially being sent there in the main quest by the Jarl of Whiterun. The game was smart enough to offer a dialog option "Oh, you already have it!"

In short, two thumbs up, and minimal (if any) micromanagement.

I'd agree. It's just fun to wander around, taking in the sites, avoid giants, and fend off the occasional wild beast. I also like on the minimap now how if you've completed a place it shows "Cleared".