Right now, Survival mode is a separate setting difficulty, the highest one available. Back in New Vegas, as Xavier said, you would get a message after you left the initial area asking if you'd like to play the game in Hardcore mode or not.
But in Beth's planned overhaul? I don't know how they'll make it, I'm hoping they make it a separate thing. As you said, sponge enemies are a real pain in the ass.
Agreed, roleplaying is the central area this overhaul should be aiming for, as it was the case with New Vegas' hardcore mode. We can only hope Beth realizes that the biggest potential in this update lies in introducing a new feature, and not forcing us into a determined difficulty setting that, until now, is really just an unfair experience.
That would be a real shame
Making an almost impossible difficulty level even more difficult by adding diseases and sleep requirements seems a bit pointless
Creating a 'Realistic Needs' or 'Frostfall' mode that can be played at any level, and adds a whole layer of role play, seems much more desirable. And you could still play the new mode on Survival Difficulty if you really wanted...
I think that the needs upkeep is just tedious and annoying. It doesn't make the game harder, just tedious and annoying. If other people like it then that's fine, I don't really care as long as it stays optional.
WTB level cap option, something like Logan's Loophole that FNV had? Would encourage me to come back to this game. It's waayyy to easy to max out a character, even unintentionally. Also, have an option in the settings to remove the player character's voice acting.
Hmm, I haven't played it that much, but I certainly felt like the game had some quick leveling. Perhaps it's something they could adjust with a patch? As for the voice acting, I don't think they'll add the option to remove it, but there are already mods for that! If you'd like me to link you to them, ask away.
This could well be what I need to get back to the Wasteland. I played New Vegas on Harcore on my first playthrough and enjoyed it, but also never felt like playing again after. That could be because back then I was going it alone. Hopefully this time around I will have The Vault showing me the right way to do it with guides and tips and the like.
I've not completed the main quest yet, I tend to drag out the factions for as long as possible with all Bethesda games so that I always have something to look forward to...
It was ages before I even completed the Thieves back in Skyrim, did the college a ton of times though, mostly for the spells and word walls...
'Fetch' missions have been a bit of a problem with Beth games for a while now...
I wouldn't mind them so much if they all served a larger purpose like promotions in the ranks of a given faction (like Morrowind) but listening to the same dialogue and going to the same locations just to rack up exp is a pain in the butt...
Still, I do enjoy working for Reese and Haylen and it's a good way to get out and about in the Commonwealth and stop me getting bored.