Last go around it was pretty damning to get halfway through Oblivion and find out you leveled wrong, created a worthless class and character (personality heavy? Pwned), got some weakly leveled loot way before you should have, etc.

It seems like, for the most part, the removal of the class, birthsign and the simpler leveling will help to keep the game more even.

But what else should I know going in that will keep me from making a game breaking mistake? Anyone have a good, not-so-spoilerific insight on that? Not talking story, or quest choice, more about the game mechanics ( like early level speech is useful, something like that).

Play however the hell you want. Thats my advice. With no class or any of that the only thing you have to worry about is choosing your race, and perks.

Loot like daedric artifacts are no longer leveled to you so theres That
Cant really say other than that this is prolly the most "screw up free" tes ive seen

The only tip I can provide is find an NPC to train some of the harder skills early. You can train five skills per level, but once you level, you lose that chance. So train early and train often if you want to benefit from trainers. Finding them could be hard, but they should be listed in the strategy guide if you opt to buy it.

This.

But you might still find yourself in a situation in which you screwed yourself. Don't be afraid to start over. Or make lots of saves.

Play as a Breton they are the only ones that start out the game 50% resistance of magic. This is the best stat of any other class.

Hate to break it to you..but this game doesn't play like oblivion did..and its not just like fallout..its alot harder..its absolutely beautiful in my opinion..who u create is completely up to u now..not some b.s. named class..the world is aggressive.beautiful..and rather well detailed