As a seasoned Diablo 2 veteran with over two decades of ARPG playing under my belt, Path of Exile 2 has captured my heart like no other game since the glory days of Sanctuary. This isn’t just another clone trying to cash in on Blizzard’s masterpiece; it’s a loving tribute that manages to carve its own niche without feeling like a cheap imitation.
Path of Exile 2 started its early access on December 6, and with the first significant snowfall of the year keeping me indoors, I’ve managed to play for almost 30 hours within just four days. This is quite a lot for me, but I find it incredibly challenging to stop playing.
Games resembling Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) fall under the Action Role-Playing Game (ARPG) category, providing an appealing blend of combat, exploration, gathering loot, character advancement, crafting, and questing. My first encounter with an ARPG was Diablo 2, and since then, no other ARPG in the ensuing 24 years has managed to recreate that unique feel, even though they share similar components.
Diablo 3, a game with its own merits, differed significantly from its forerunner. Speaking frankly, Diablo 4 doesn’t quite measure up to be mentioned in the same conversation. As Jennifer Young, my colleague, pointed out in an article prior to Path of Exile 2’s release, Diablo could greatly benefit from some strong competition.
I can’t quite explain what it is that keeps me hooked on Diablo 2, even in its Resurrected version – I find myself constantly returning to it. It seems nobody else can pinpoint it either, as if we’re all under the same spell. Much like an addict, I’ve spent hours upon hours seeking a newer action role-playing game with more contemporary features. After roughly 30 hours of playtime, Path of Exile 2 is the closest match I’ve found. For those who grew up playing Diablo 2, this may just be the game you’ve been eagerly anticipating.
What makes Path of Exile 2 so appealing to a Diablo 2 snob?
As a researcher delving into Path of Exile 2, I’ve escorted two characters to the third act thus far, leaving several more in Act 1. I must confess that I haven’t ventured into the endgame yet, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey as I uncover each character’s unique abilities, learning their optimal deployment strategies, and observing how they synergize with other classes. The game offers a more enriching experience when played cooperatively, but it’s also possible to conquer everything solo.
In the beginning of this game, you find yourself in a tough spot. You’ve just washed ashore with only a toothpick and a humble skill gem as your starting gear. Your walking pace is slow, your mana reserves are limited, and you’re quickly overpowered when confronted by large groups of enemies. Doesn’t it remind you of something?
This game poses a significant challenge. It’s quite tough, actually. The enemy levels don’t adapt to your character’s progression, so it’s easy to find yourself in over your head if you’re not careful or push forward too quickly into areas inhabited by new monster species. Engaging even weaker enemies carelessly can result in failure if you decide to stand and absorb damage instead of retreating or using tactics.
In the second act, the final boss presents a significant increase in difficulty, prompting me to revise certain aspects before attempting again. This boss is much like Duriel from Diablo 2’s second act, still proving challenging for many players today. The bosses in PoE 2 have substantial health and can inflict considerable damage, but their attacks are always clearly signaled and evadable. Overcoming these bosses feels truly satisfying.
I’ve taken on the challenge and assure you that as you master the game’s workings, it becomes less daunting. If you’re struggling with particular sections, going back to simpler zones (since enemies don’t adjust their strength according to your level) can help boost your confidence by allowing you to defeat more opponents. You might simply need alternative support gems. Poison can penetrate armor effectively, shock can rapidly immobilize bosses and mobs, and cold can provide extra time for you to respond.
Experimenting with different combinations of newly acquired support abilities – don’t forget to deselect the “Display suggested skills” option when socketing a support gem – has led to some exciting gameplay styles early on. Not every combination works, but it’s simple to create something unique once you’ve accumulated a few skills in your inventory. The passive skill tree is vast and intimidating, but making a mistake can be quickly corrected by spending some currency.
Many players of PoE 2 find it challenging due to the contrast with games such as Diablo 4, which are more intuitive and can be played without much thought. However, Path of Exile 2 demands careful attention and time flies by as I become totally engrossed in its complexity.
As a devoted fan, I must say that Path of Exile 2, in my opinion, truly lives up to the hype and stands as a worthy successor to the iconic Diablo 2. While numerous ARPGs launched since 2000 have been compared to Blizzard’s masterpiece, this game, developed by Grinding Gear Games, is more than just a homage – it’s an ode to the title that has undeniably shaped the genre for me. Yet, despite its obvious ties to Diablo 2, Path of Exile 2 never feels like a mere imitation.
Regardless of whether you’ve been a long-time Diablo 2 player or just recently found its charm, Path of Exile 2 appears to be the ideal follow-up I’ve been anticipating. Despite being in early access, the game is already hitting many marks. It’s not without flaws, as one would expect with such a release.
Path of Exile 2 is in early access, and there’s still a lot of work to be done
Since its debut, Grinding Gear Games has consistently rolled out updates, primarily aimed at addressing major concerns I had. Additionally, they have publicized a schedule for future modifications, which are a response to the most vocal criticisms from players.
Over the weekend, finds like loot and currency were surprisingly rare, but the latest update has boosted the availability of currency and made it less difficult to acquire uncommon items. The maps felt excessively vast, causing a lot of unnecessary retracing of steps, but adjustments to the checkpoint system should address this problem. Additionally, modifications to the dodge roll mechanic will make it simpler to escape from groups of enemies.
These enhancements significantly reduced the idle periods I was encountering, but they didn’t actually lessen the game’s challenge. I fervently hope the creators won’t simplify the game, as its current level of complexity is a crucial factor keeping me hooked. Additionally, with some additional in-game funds and a few extra item drops, it’s become more convenient to revise a build that was previously stagnant at a particular stage.
In my words, it seems that Path of Exile 2 won’t likely have a complete launch within the next half year. This is allowing the development team to mainly work on refining balance and adding content, as the game’s current structure is quite robust.
This action role-playing game boasts the most visually appealing design I’ve encountered in my gaming experience, and the level of detail is simply remarkable. Each monster appears to meet its demise uniquely, depending on the type of damage inflicted upon it. A diverse range of monster species can be found wandering the world, and every location I’ve explored presents a distinctly different atmosphere compared to the ones I’ve visited before.
The game performs flawlessly on PCs and even on gaming handheld devices. The WASD movement is exceptional, particularly for ranged builds, and the sound and visuals exceed my expectations. Given that Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play after its “supporter” paid early access phase, I can’t imagine a more suitable game to help me retire Diablo 2.
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2024-12-10 19:40