I think once I get my current Pathfinder project done I am going to have another go at Oblivion...this time on the computer though.

I'm giving Oblivion another crack.

I never liked it as much as Morrowind. Morrowind had some big issues with it but I went through that game over and over and put so many hours of my life into it. Oblivion seemed much shallower, and the way levels work in that game annoys me to no end.

I understand enemies giving you a consistant challenge, but I found my level 25+ character RUNNING from enemies to avoid fighting them because I felt they were too powerful for me, and this was on the default difficulty setting.

I read up on the article over at the UESPwiki about "Efficient Leveling" in Oblivion and I'm following those parameters. I'm finding the game still a touch difficult but at level 4, halfway to level 5, I'm able to mostly stay on top of the difficulty curve. Every level I've been taking +5 Strength and +5 Endurance, as well as +1 Luck, so soon I'm expecting my combat difficulties to see a reversal.

I hate trying to beat the game's shitty design with such methods, especially building a custom "class" meant to hold my leveling back instead of making it go forward, but alas, it's what it takes for me to actually enjoy myself...

Consider getting the 'always +5 mod' which makes it so that as long as you've upgraded something with a particular stat, it'll put the bonus from leveling at +5. That way you can basically play exactly whatever you want and not have to worry about running around in circles for hours or being attacked in armor a million times before you level up every time. Never had a particular difficulty with enemies.

And that is my main displeasure with TES.

And that is my main displeasure with TES.

See and I thought the beauty of Oblivion is I never have to level up. You can beat it without getting to high levels.