I might turn this into a series, I haven't decided yet. For now, consider this a "hypothetical" critique of a contemporary RPG.

Seeing as there is no shortage of ways to exploit the different crafting skills in the game, I do believe there exist practical ways to reign them in, so to speak. Considering that the Smithing skill is one of the more frequently used skills/exploits for "min-maxing" gameplay, this skill should be addressed and redesigned promptly--specifically, before Fallout 4 comes out. I don't want my beloved Fallout series to inherent the same ghastly "birth defects" TES has suffered, so let's get pro-choice and abort these terrible ideas.

First, Smithing should no longer improve weapon damage and armor rating. If the combat system were deeper and more nuanced I might suggest incorporating a variety of weapon performance attributes, which could then be improved upon by smithing, but this is not the case nor do I suspect it will be based on the current tech. I don't want to waste too much time on the details of WHY this is a problem, it's already been well-documented in terms of it's exploitative, primitive design (among other elements of gameplay). Also, I don't want to exhaust explanations when conventional wisdom will suffice.

Secondly, weapon "condition" should be recalled, for which the Smithing skill would now serve more appropriately. Even a year after Skyrim's release, it still bewilders me why Bethesda nixed this from the game. In most open-word games much of the focus and esteem is placed on the world itself, so it would only makes sense to introduce elements of decay and attrition, subtle reminders that the world is more than just a pretty backdrop for your escapades.

Of course, if Bethesda decides to steer TES or Fallout series into a brick wall for an easy money-grab, everything can be disregarded. I'm still giving them the benefit of the doubt, however. Let's not disappoint.

Or you could just use Smithing when you need to if you specialise in it.

And if you don't you have a world full of Blacksmiths.

Az

First. That's what Smithing is in Skyrim I think that they should keep that. Improving weapons....


Two... I would not like this for a new guy... Be way to hard cause you have no Money.


So that's about Skyrim ^


In Fallout 4. i hope it isn't like Skyrim, i like that Repair System

^this.

also, smithing has already been implemented by too many players. they aren't going to change the mechanics of a system after it's already been well established by the fan base. pleasing a small minority would be nothing compared to the forthcoming rage Bethesda would get from their casual/main customers for removing/altering something that most people have probably already utilized.

You can avoid "Min-Max" gameplay in Skyrim and not be penalized for it in the slightest. Now, at the same time if the player in question is a OCD Min-Maxer he can do it in Skyrim if he/she so wishes.

"Improving weapons," but within reason. The gameplay becomes too ambivalent without the design and limits imposed on the Smithing skill, which actually speaks to the more systemic issues the game suffers from.

Not to get too off topic, but I think you should have "focus" skills, which would eliminate being able to Master every skill in the game. People would have to focus and be more judicious with their character builds, but if you wanted to essentially "respec" your character, you'd have the option, again if you Mastered certain skills, the implication would be a limitation or reduction to other skills.

correct me if i'm wrong, but i thought Oblivion and Morrowind had a smithing skill. Didn't that govern weapon and armor condition? I don't think it improved the actual attributes of the item itself.