Path of Exile 2 has entered Early Access, and after playing after getting in and experiencing Endgame, it's clear this game is setting new standards for the ARPG genre. In this review, I'll break down the strengths, weaknesses, and potential of Path of Exile 2, touching on gameplay mechanics, design innovations, and areas that need improvement.
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Initial Impressions and Comparison to ARPG Giants
What is best way to describe PoE2? Think Dark Souls meets ARPG. While this comparison might seem cliché, it's apt: PoE2 combines the punishing difficulty and rewarding gameplay loop of Dark Souls with the intricate build crafting and loot-driven progression of ARPGs like Diablo.
Key Comparisons to ARPGs:
Difficulty:
Unlike many ARPGs, PoE2 challenges players from the outset. There's no “easy mode”—even the “normal” campaign demands strategic thinking and solid gameplay execution.
Boss Fights:
PoE2 features complex boss mechanics, forcing players to adapt, farm gear, and refine builds. The satisfaction of beating a boss after several failed attempts is reminiscent of the thrill of Dark Souls victories.
Exploration and Combat:
Enemies respawn upon death, adding tension and a sense of consequence to failure.
Combat and movement feel dynamic and responsive, blending hack-and-slash mechanics with precision-based gameplay.
What Makes Path of Exile 2 Stand Out?
1. Immersive World and Art Direction:
The dark, gothic aesthetic is stunning, with beautifully designed environments, detailed enemies, and visually striking boss fights.
Inspired by Diablo 2, the lighting and ambiance create a moody, atmospheric world that enhances the immersive experience.
2. Revolutionary Skill and Build Systems:
Skill Gems:
Uncut gems allow players to craft skills tailored to their builds. This reduces randomness while maintaining the thrill of loot drops.
Passive Skill Tree:
Easier respec options make experimenting with builds more accessible. An NPC now allows players to respec points using gold, fostering creativity without punishing mistakes.
3. Dynamic Gameplay:
Combat feels fast-paced yet strategic. Environmental interactions, precise positioning, and diverse skills contribute to an engaging gameplay loop.
Controller support feels native, with fluid mechanics that rival (and perhaps surpass) Diablo 4.
Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement
1. Map Design:
Size:
Maps are massive—sometimes taking over an hour to explore. While this scale offers a sense of adventure, repeated deaths and respawning enemies can make progression feel tedious.
Variety
:Biomes like Act 2's desert zones feel repetitive, lacking the diversity seen in other parts of the game.
2. Incomplete Mechanics:
As expected in Early Access, some game mechanics and systems are either missing or poorly explained.
For example, players new to Path of Exile may struggle with the complex interplay of skills, crafting, and gearing.
3. Early Access Bugs:
Occasional crashes and controller menu glitches detract slightly from the experience. However, these issues are likely to be resolved as development continues.
The Core Gameplay Experience
Difficulty and Progression:
PoE2 embraces a hardcore mentality, challenging players with difficult enemies and resource management.
Farming for gear and gaining levels feels integral, not optional, to overcome challenges.
Build Crafting:
Build diversity is unparalleled. With nearly limitless combinations of passive nodes, skill gems, and item modifiers, players can experiment endlessly.
Couch Co-op and Multiplayer:
Couch co-op on PC adds a refreshing layer of accessibility, making it easy to play with friends or family on a single system.
Path of Exile 2 vs. Diablo 2 and Diablo 4
Strengths Over Diablo Series:
More complex and rewarding build crafting.
Darker, more atmospheric aesthetic.
Greater challenge and depth in campaign gameplay.
Where It Falls Short:
Lacks the polished simplicity of Diablo's early-game experience.
Early Access means incomplete features and occasional frustrations.
Is Path of Exile 2 the Best ARPG?
Path of Exile 2 has the potential to dethrone Diablo 2 as the greatest ARPG of all time. While the game is far from perfect in its Early Access state, the foundation is undeniably strong.
Key Highlights:
Intense, rewarding gameplay.
Limitless build creativity.
Stunning art direction and atmospheric world-building.
With continued updates and polish, Path of Exile 2 could redefine the ARPG genre and solidify Grinding Gear Games as one of the industry's best developers.
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