Skyrim's combat system and character progression could be infinitely improved if they were to offer "true Perks" combined with "true Skill trees". I think part of the problem is the fact that Perks are labeled after a specific skill, Archery, One-Hand etc, instead of playstyles. For example, the tree would be split as thus:

Warrior (General advancement tree for Warrior skills and abilities) - splits to 4 branches - Fighter (1H + Shield), Berserker (Dual-Wield), Crusader (2H), Archer (Archery)
Thief - "
Mage - "

This allows you to basically combine classes so you could theoretically combine Fighter & Wizard = Spellsword, or Crusader & Cleric = Paladin. The difference between the old system and the new is that you can specialize with your character a LOT more than you can now.

The "Perks" would be adjusted to being like more like Fallout's Perk system and would be your "modifiers" as the Skill tree has all of the specialization, abilities, and spells in it.

Meh, I've already outlined how I think they should have been implemented in this thread, as well as in others.

I'm satisfied with the system.

Of course you are. That's a shocker.

Well, the question was, "Who is satisfied with the perk system?" not, "Who can make the most shocking statement in the world?"

The perk system is sloppy at best.

could have used some more dramatic perks and a hand to hand perk tree but all in all im content with it

I like the perk system, except i believe you should be able to skip around if there is a perk in the way that you do not want, but other than that, im fine, and considering i am a master wizard, i dont worry about that because i am using all of my perks in all the schools of magic, sve a few, but they are higher level, or out of the way.

needs work, and definitely shouldn't be a substitiute for the skills. I am quite fine living without attributes though
personally, I think the next iteration of the system should be a mix between Oblivion and Skyrim. Get small bonuses every 25 skill ranks and let the skill level dictate its actual effectiveness, and get an extra perk every 5 levels or so. the extra perks would be actual complements to the skill, like shield bash disarming or granting specific magic types extra abilities. That way we still have toe potential to become very specialized characters without making skills useless like they are now

Then you would be able to be god with all skills, the way it is now you have your niche.

No, that's not what I mean. You're still limited to a small percentage of the perks, so there's still no way to be a jack of all trades like you could easily be in previous games. I'm saying that you have Oblivion's basic leveling style(get a small perk every 25 levels), but only be able to choose a few perks during the course of a character. That way skills are actually relevant, and being a master of all skills is still impossible

With a limit, i think that would be ok, personally i like the way it is now, but like you said add a special perk every 25 levels, thats just me though.

I was thinking more like D&D's feat system meets oblivion's leveling. The skills handle all the use, while you get a special perk every few levels that lets you unlock a special application of the skill. just eliminate the perks that do what skills used to do, and you've got yourself a working system. It would still be limited though, since you'd have notably fewer redundant perks

As long as destruction was a bit more powerful / cost less, I would be happy, lol. I mean, at level 63 I have 900 magicka, so its no biggie, but that took a big hit to my health.

You can create vastly different characters using the skill trees and their associated 'perks', so I like it.

Honestly, I am not that crazy about the perk system. The prior system needed some tweaking so folks did not have to do math to get the most out of leveling, etc. I get that. But there is nothing new or original about perk trees. They have been done to death by every game from Balder's Gate to Borderlands.

I really wish Beth had done something more unique and more true to the series than just a big perk tree. Also miss Attributes and "classes" and birthsigns that actually signified the sign under which you were born, and not some interchangable stone.

The perk system is fine the only bad part imo is having to pick perks you don't want to get to the one's you do want.

as i reread a bunch of the posts on this thread i'm shaking my head even more.

it would take a few of us very little time to come up with some absolutely great ideas for a proper, functioning perk system.

it's almost as if there was a brainstorming session and then that was it. no further logic and reasoning was used and the system wasn't thoroughly thought or, obviously, played through.

very strange.

Personally I really like the perk system and feel no need to nitpick it to death. I feel like its much easier to make a unique character with it. I was really upset iwth the removal of attributes but I find I don't miss them at all.

yes, the perk system is easier.

some might say simpler.

others, might say it's made for casuals.

even further, some might say it was designed for those that think complex, deep and meaningful games would be too difficult to play.

Perks worked acceptably in Fallout games, perhaps because those were not Elder Scrolls games.

I thought if Bethesda gave us perks in an Elder Scrolls game they would work- they would be involved. I trusted Bethesda to do it right if they insisted upon using them.
Perks were an attempt to make games the same way.

Perks have not replaced the loss of attributes, star signs and NPC interation,. (yes, I know you can pick stone powers in Skyrim) The game has become an action adventure- I thought we were getting an rpg Elder scrolls game.

Perk system > attributes , but perk system + attributes > anything else IMO.

Without reading the thread, just to respond to the OP I will say that I absolutely LOVE the perk system, and I believe it is one of the best things to be added into the Elder Scrolls franchise.

I think it works well, however it could definitely use some future work expanding upon the ideas they have created.

Same. i especially hate the Stone signs thing. Birth signs are supposed to represent when you were born and how that affects you, so you should have it well established by the time the game has started (unless you`re a baby ). It`s like you are born in August so you`re a Leo (if you believe that kind of thing) - It`s set. You can`t suddenly decide later you`re a Capricorn!

To have Birth signs as a stone you pick is silly and just an over-the-top example of dumb streamlining- Even if it makes little sense.