Since the game doesn't use some form of level scaling or offer a linear adventure, it'll be interesting to see not only what level the encounters towards the end are tuned for, but also what range of levels players each hit after playing through the game in different ways.
The completionist in me is concerned that I'll miss the target level by a mile and end up with trivial encounters right when the game is supposed to be its most challenging.
i would say there are some ways to solve stuff that give less xp than others (for example the omnious black door, if you don't search for the key and open it by using fireballs or a magical-unlock scroll, you will miss a section of the game). So the "easy way" is probably less rewarding, but i assume the game isn't balanced around this, but rather around the "normal" way (find the obvious stuff and half or more of the optional, not quest related hidden things). So yes, if you do absolutely everything, you may be a bit higher than others, but solving the main stuff does give a lot more xp than finding a hidden room.
you can always play in hard-mode if you are afraid of being overpowered. you will not get more xp in hardmode.
