There's a lot of games that do this via equipment. In Stalker (which is phenomenal game but with a tough learning curve) for instance, you don't just become better at killing things as you get better gear, the game play fundamentally changes. You begin as a scavenger and avoid most conflicts. As you get better gear more areas open up for you and you can be more aggressive in hunting artifacts. In the beginning of the game many optional quests are simply undoable.
I think this type of thing is a hallmark of good open-world games. Areas are closed to you based on your and your characters ability, not by some invisible wall. And the gameplay fundamentally changes as you become more powerful, rather than the lazy system of just having to fight more enemies with more health.
I think this type of thing is a hallmark of good open-world games. Areas are closed to you based on your and your characters ability, not by some invisible wall. And the gameplay fundamentally changes as you become more powerful, rather than the lazy system of just having to fight more enemies with more health.