I by no means performed Path of Exile. It at all times appeared method 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. Similar 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 truly wanting 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 sport. It runs on the identical engine, but it surely’s bought revamped techniques, fashionable design, and a cleaner expertise general. You don’t have to know something in regards to the first sport, which is nice for individuals like me who have been at all times curious however too overwhelmed to leap in. It looks like Grinding Gear Video games is throwing a rope down for brand new gamers — conserving the complexity that longtime followers love, whereas making it method simpler for the remainder of us to climb aboard.
Simply from watching gameplay footage, the adjustments are apparent. Fight seems to be sooner, extra responsive, and simpler to comply with. Animations and visuals are a transparent step up. Personally, I’m hyped in regards to the dodge rolls and parrying — these little touches add rather a lot. 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 adjustments although is the ability gem system. Within the authentic, gems needed to be slotted into gear, and the entire thing regarded like a Tetris nightmare. In PoE2, abilities have their very own devoted sockets, which is a godsend for gamers like me who’d somewhat not micromanage gear layouts simply to solid a spell. Builds are nonetheless deep, however they don’t look almost 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 should 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 sport I’m truly 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 typically expects you to have a spreadsheet pulled up in your second monitor whereas enjoying, that’s a welcome change.
