Path of Exile 2 Review - An Early Access Success

Path of Exile 2 Overview

Path of Exile 2, crafted by Grinding Gear Games, emerges as a highly anticipated sequel to the successful original Path of Exile. This title offers an immersive dungeon crawler experience infused with MMO elements. While the first installment captivated players with its gameplay, it left some room for deeper narrative exploration. After investing over 100 hours into the game, I can confidently say that Grinding Gear Games has successfully preserved the engaging gameplay of its predecessor while enhancing the story. Path of Exile 2 provides a standout dungeon-crawling experience that ranks among the finest in its genre.

After 100 plus hours of play, memories of the classic Diablo 2 era come flooding back, a time when every skill choice mattered and character building was a personal journey. Unlike many modern games that limit your options with rigid skill trees, Path of Exile 2 distinguishes itself by providing a genuinely open-ended approach to character development, allowing players to unleash their creativity and explore countless possibilities.

Path of Exile 2 Highlights

Pay Model

Marketed as free to play upon launch, Grinding Gear Games provides an exciting opportunity for players to experience the game ahead of its official release by purchasing a support pack. This not only grants early access but also includes valuable in-game currency rewards, making it an appealing choice for those eager to jump into the action.

Character Progression

The possibilities for character customization are virtually limitless, allowing you to combine your chosen abilities with diverse skill paths. By navigating the extensive passive skill tree and utilizing active skill gems, you can forge a unique character class tailored to your playstyle. Imagine blending the might of a warrior with the power of minions to develop a formidable death knight build, or harnessing cold skills as a ranger to create a chilling frost archer. This unparalleled freedom in character development is one of the defining features of POE2, and the vast array of options for players to explore is truly remarkable, making it a standout aspect of the game.

Replayability

Early Access introduces six distinctive base characters: the Warrior, Sorcerer, Witch, Ranger, Mercenary, and Monk, with plans to expand the roster to twelve characters by launch. The additional six characters, which will be added later, include the Duelist, Huntress, Shadow, Druid, Templar, and Marauder. Furthermore, players can select from two ascendancy classes, which become available upon completing the Trial of the Sekhemas quest line.

Combat Mechanics

POE2 features an innovative character control system that distinguishes it from conventional dungeon crawlers. Players have the option to utilize either the classic mouse movement, a staple in the genre, or the WASD controls typical for most games. While transitioning to the WASD method may take some practice, achieving proficiency significantly enhances gameplay by allowing for smoother and more responsive character movements and combat actions. This control scheme facilitates the ability to move and attack simultaneously, creating a more immersive and dynamic combat experience.

Interface and Design

POE2 showcases a classic design for its dungeon crawler interface that, while not revolutionary, allows for seamless navigation through menu options, resulting in a user-friendly and well-executed design.

Path of Exile 2 Early Access Review Inventory

Path of Exile 2 Early Access Notes

Although currently in early access, it is already making waves in the gaming community and receiving enthusiastic praise from players on Steam. Further development will include the implementation of approximately fifty percent of the character skills and weapons content. Even at this early stage, Path of Exile 2 stands out as a must-play title for dungeon crawler fans.

As expected, I found a few bugs during my 100 hours of play. What I encountered was minor and did not diminish my overall enjoyment of the game. During my playthrough, I experienced a few instances where the game crashed and disconnected, but I was pleasantly surprised by the game’s smooth recovery.

Another issue I encountered is that during the heat of battle, it can be difficult to keep track of your cursor’s location at times. Fortunately, POE2 provides the option to customize your cursor, making it easier to find amidst the chaos. Additionally, there is a diverse selection of cursors available for purchase in the Microtransaction Shop.

Final Thoughts

I believe that Path of Exile 2 showcases significant potential and offers a captivating experience for players. As is common with early access titles, a few minor glitches may arise, but these do not detract from the overall enjoyment I experienced while playing the game. Dungeon crawler RPG enthusiasts should definitely consider giving this title a chance. The supporter packs available provide players with in-game currency as a bonus for their support, adding more value to the purchase. Currently, the game is fully playable and thoroughly engaging.

FINAL REVIEW SCORE: 8.0

Currently, I rate it an 8.0, but I believe that once the game is fully released and all planned content is implemented, the score has the potential to rise significantly. Is it worth it? Absolutely.