I by no means performed Path of Exile. It all the time appeared approach too difficult, and truthfully, I’ve by no means been that into ARPGs to start with. However then I gave Diablo IV a shot and ended up having fun with it. Identical with Misplaced Ark — I used to be all-in throughout launch month. These video games really feel much more approachable than PoE ever did. And perhaps that’s precisely why I’m really trying ahead to Path of Exile 2 (particularly as soon as it formally launches as free-to-play, because it presently prices $30 for Early Entry).
PoE2 isn’t precisely a sequel — it’s extra like a parallel recreation. It runs on the identical engine, however it’s received revamped programs, fashionable design, and a cleaner expertise general. You don’t must know something concerning the first recreation, which is nice for individuals like me who had been all the time curious however too overwhelmed to leap in. It looks like Grinding Gear Video games is throwing a rope down for brand spanking new gamers — maintaining the complexity that longtime followers love, whereas making it approach simpler for the remainder of us to climb aboard.
Simply from watching gameplay footage, the modifications are apparent. Fight appears to be like sooner, extra responsive, and simpler to comply with. Animations and visuals are a transparent step up. Personally, I’m hyped concerning the dodge rolls and parrying — these little touches add quite a bit. The boss fights appear extra concerned too. It kinda provides off Darkish Souls vibes, however in ARPG kind.
One of many greatest quality-of-life modifications although is the talent gem system. Within the unique, gems needed to be slotted into gear, and the entire thing seemed like a Tetris nightmare. In PoE2, abilities have their very own devoted sockets, which is a godsend for gamers like me who’d quite not micromanage gear layouts simply to forged a spell. Builds are nonetheless deep, however they don’t look practically as fussy.
What I actually like is that PoE2 doesn’t appear to demand a school diploma in min-maxing. If you wish to spend hours theorycrafting and optimizing, you completely can. However in case you simply need to mow down monsters with a cool weapon and snag loot, that’s on the desk too.
So yeah, I skipped PoE, and I in all probability won’t ever play it. However PoE2? That’s a recreation I’m really excited for. It looks like an ARPG that respects your time and doesn’t make you’re feeling dumb for being new. And in a style that too usually expects you to have a spreadsheet pulled up in your second monitor whereas enjoying, that’s a welcome change.
