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[Dark_castle]

I would really like to love this game since I played the hell out D2 and D3 but I just can get over how boring it looks every time I watch a end game video. Characters just run with no other animation and fireballs and other things just pop out of nowhere. Diablo 3 might not have lived up to D2 when it comes to combat depth but it plays so much better (especially on console which I actually prefer) and this looks even more stale than D2. There seem to be no impact so to speak.

Am I missing something or just looking at the wrong videos?

The combat engine is better in D3, but D3 utterly blows in build variety and such. Blizzard makes these 6 piece sets and players just mindlessly use them and easily own endgame. In PoE, there are no sets, unique can be build enabling, can be good for levelling, can be weak, can be amazing, rare items can beat unique depending on rolls, you can decide what skills to main and build around it and tackle endgame, you get rewarded for your time to build the character, there is just no comparison. Also PoE had challenge league and races that adds new mechanics to base game. Do I need to mention endgame? What does D3 have, rifts, greater rifts? PoE has that in maps but better because you have freedom to decide which maps to Focus via shaping, unique maps with interesting mechanics multiple challenging endgame bosses with unique rewards, a huge labyrinth with puzzles with great loot, you can do trading, 6 player coop.. This fucking game is a ARPG masterpiece.

And I haven't even touch on the genius of the currency system in the game and crafting.

 

[Ploid 3.0]

The thing with Diablo 3 is builds seem so limited compared to PoE. I used to play for a week or two each new season, but it just felt like I was doing the same builds after playing each class a multiple times. I thought the Legacy of Nightmares ring set would open up chances for a ton of new builds, but it didn't do enough, it's hard to compete with the top 1 or 2 sets per class each season.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

It's got almost Sega level responsiveness and satisfaction to the combat now. Combat is one of the game's strengths these days.

Do you really think so? I find the combat really unsatisfying just like when I first played it back in 2011 or 2012 when it was still only available by "backing" the game on their website.

A friend who is playing it pretty hardcore convinced me to give it another go recently. I just made my way up to level 15 last night and it really doesn't seem like too much has changed, honestly, although that may just be my faulty memory. I know there is a ton more content in the end game now, so I want to at least go beyond Act 3 and see what's there, but the fun factor just seems missing to me.

I understand the biggest appeal of the game is the crazy level of freedom it gives the player to create builds, but as far as I can tell from reading forums, most of the builds you can make are garbage, so everyone is out there following some fairly cookie-cutter build with slight variations. Even if that level of customization appealed to me, which it doesn't, I still don't find the underlying gameplay to be all that fun at least so far.

 

[Flipyap]

I keep wanting to return to it, even reinstalled it a few times, but the skill forest is just too intimidating for me.
The forest has changed a few times since I last played, so I'm forced to respec, which only makes it worse because I don't remember my builds and am expected to invest a whole lot of points at once.
I know hardcore players love the restrictive respec system, but it kinda killed the game for me. This game might have a higher potential for build variety, but I definitely got to experience more builds in Diablo 3 because that game invites experimentation.

 

[Dark_castle]

The thing with Diablo 3 is builds seem so limited compared to PoE. I used to play for a week or two each new season, but it just felt like I was doing the same builds after playing each class a multiple times. I thought the Legacy of Nightmares ring set would open up chances for a ton of new builds, but it didn't do enough, it's hard to compete with the top 1 or 2 sets per class each season.

That is my biggest grip with D3. 6 piece class sets killed the game, because it destroyed build variety.

 

[Neith]

Yes? So why are you not playing then? It's free. As a Diablo 2 veteran, Path of Exile is the single best game in the genre I have ever played and THE continuation of the fantastic Diablo 2 I personally always wanted. The game has insane depth, great combat (yes, it's really good and responsive these days with a lot of oomph), a really good campaign, a fantastic end game, a high amount of viable builds each patch, and it's addictive as hell. It's got some downsides too, namely external trading and no or only few ways to shorten the campaign on a new character in order to reach the end game, but those should not deter you from at least giving it a try.

Personally, I mostly play solo but perhaps you can get your friends to play the game with you if that helps. People who loved D2 and have not picked up PoE are missing out big time and the others should give this free game honestly a shot. It's the best we've got so far and the effort GGG is pouring into making it a better experience is quite remarkable. However, I'd say the in-game purchases are a little pricey so beware of that. If you stick with the game, you'll probably want some of those stash tabs, but for taking a glimpse and checking whether the game is for you or not, you don't have to deal with any micro-transactions, don't worry.

Also, if you happened to try the game in 2013 or '14 and dropping it because of shit combat, TRY AGAIN. It's got almost Sega level responsiveness and satisfaction to the combat now. Combat is one of the game's strengths these days.

Hmmm, I have POE vs Grim Dawn. IDK man I kinda like Grim Dawn better, but they are close.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Hmmm, I have POE vs Grim Dawn. IDK man I kinda like Grim Dawn better, but they are close.

Grim Dawn definitely *feels* better than POE to me, but I hate the free camera system. Seems like a minor thing, but being able to rotate around the camera always makes me think I'm doing it wrong and that just nags on me until I stop playing.

 

[Heigic]

I played it and didn't really think it was any better than before. Game always becomes boring around level 40-50.

 

[Killroyskbg]

The combat engine is better in D3, but D3 utterly blows in build variety and such. Blizzard makes these 6 piece sets and players just mindlessly use them and easily own endgame. In PoE, there are no sets, unique can be build enabling, can be good for levelling, can be weak, can be amazing, rare items can beat unique depending on rolls, you can decide what skills to main and build around it and tackle endgame, you get rewarded for your time to build the character, there is just no comparison. Also PoE had challenge league and races that adds new mechanics to base game. Do I need to mention endgame? What does D3 have, rifts, greater rifts? PoE has that in maps but better because you have freedom to decide which maps to Focus via shaping, unique maps with interesting mechanics multiple challenging endgame bosses with unique rewards, a huge labyrinth with puzzles with great loot, you can do trading, 6 player coop.. This fucking game is a ARPG masterpiece.

And I haven't even touch on the genius of the currency system in the game and crafting.

In D3 defense it is not like the same sets and gameplay they provide are stale but they often nerf or buff sets/skills or ad item powers so what might have been the stronger builds becomes weak and new once with new gameplay mechanics take their place but sure it won't touch from what I have seen of this game skill tree by a mile.

But like I said when every video I watch of this games end game it is the same type of nova/cone and/or teleport killing moves one skill gameplay it turns me off. The lacking of quality animations for those hundreds of skills might be the reason It looks so unimpressive but I personally can't get over it. Like I said maybe I just clicked the wrong videos but build diversity and skill tree galore for all it is worth look the same in the end to me and really boring but I would gladly be proven otherwise.

 

[jasminlovesyoux]

I used to play this year's ago. It's an excellent loot game for sure. I wonder if my characters are still on their servers.

 

[Imp the Dimp]

I used to play this year's ago. It's an excellent loot game for sure. I wonder if my characters are still on their servers.

My 2013 char is still alive

 

[Decado]

How is the challenge/balance these days? When last I played a year or so ago the game was a mindless DPS cakewalk with no depth and the occasional massive difficulty spike.

Is the game still about picking one skill and catering your entire build around it so you can spam it from the beginning of the game to the end?

 

[Killroyskbg]

Is the game still about picking one skill and catering your entire build around it so you can spam it from the beginning of the game to the end?

Well got my answer why it looks so boring.

 

[Anoregon]

Is it better than Marvel Heroes?

Is there any place to take a look at a smattering of up to date builds recommended for folks just starting off in a league? I know the official forums have tons of builds, but there isn't a lot of consolidation so it can be tricky to go through and get an idea of what would be a good idea.

 

[Piers]

Thought it was okay. I prefer Diablo 3 as the combat is more frenetic and skills are more straight forward.

 

[TheRazielim]

How is the challenge/balance these days? When last I played a year or so ago the game was a mindless DPS cakewalk with no depth and the occasional massive difficulty spike.

Is the game still about picking one skill and catering your entire build around it so you can spam it from the beginning of the game to the end?

Isn't every ARPG mindless DPS cakewalk as far as trash mobs are concerned? In any case, not sure how long you played, but it definitely gets harder around Act 5.

 

[Conkerkid11]

I've put in 187 hours since 3.0 released.

I'm absolutely aware.

Best ARPG available, and the best thing is that it's free.

Thought it was okay. I prefer Diablo 3 as the combat is more frenetic and skills are more straight forward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieNk4aNcMuY

 

[RenegadeXV8]

I like the maps and world in general, but the combat is really weak and clunky.

Yep, I could never get into it because of this. Tried it recently but it's the same. Combat has no impact.

 

[CitizenVectron]

Personally I liked D3 a LOT more than PoE. I am keen enough to see that PoE has a much better crafting system as well as an interesting skill/progression tree, but D3 is just so much more fun and satisfying.

Maybe if I put 40+ hours into a character I would enjoy PoE more. But D3 is fun from the start, I can level a character to 70 in 1-2 hours, and it's fun the whole time. Plus the combat is just way better. Also, I can level using Adventure Mode rather than the campaign, which is awesome.

PoE may be better for some, and maybe that includes people who put hundreds or thousands of hours in. Me personally, I play D3 for 30-50 hours and then leave it alone for a few months, and come back during every second season or so.

Also, the camera is too-zoomed in in PoE, it's distracting.

Just my not-hot take.

 

[Conkerkid11]

Personally I liked D3 a LOT more than PoE. I am keen enough to see that PoE has a much better crafting system as well as an interesting skill/progression tree, but D3 is just so much more fun and satisfying.

Maybe if I put 40+ hours into a character I would enjoy PoE more. But D3 is fun from the start, I can level a character to 70 in 1-2 hours, and it's fun the whole time. Plus the combat is just way better. Also, I can level using Adventure Mode rather than the campaign, which is awesome.

I'll give you that much. PoE's made the grind from 1-65 take far too long to retain most of the players they got into the game with 3.0.

Nothing before the endgame matters. I appreciate they've got 10 interesting acts to the game that are pretty damn enjoyable the first time around. But they have yet to do what Diablo III did in terms of just throwing in something that at least acknowledges you've done the story once, don't want to do it again, and just want to get to the endgame and grind that out.

 

[Baliis]

That is my biggest grip with D3. 6 piece class sets killed the game, because it destroyed build variety.

The 6 piece sets didn't destroy build variety. Putting 10000+% damage buffs on them to the point where not even LoN builds can compete did.

That said, I do give Diablo credit for keeping their classes very different thematically. There's some small differences between the classes in PoE with the ascendencies, but you typically build around the skill you want rather than the character you want. You can play something like flicker strike as marauder, duelist or ranger and have it work fairly similarly with minor differences, but it's still fundamentally flicker strike. That's cool for tinkering with a specific skill to optimize it how you want, but there's something to be said for how fundamentally different all the Diablo classes are. Even something like generator Monk and thorns crusader have very different mind sets in how to approach them even though both build are basically just hold left click.

Limiting access to what each class can do also helps out. Most builds in PoE will run some sort of 6link for their main damage skill, some sort of movement skill, some sort curse on hit, and maybe like a cast on damage taken set up or a golem or something. Diablo 3 is kinda similar in that usually you'll have some sort of damage reduction cool down/cheat death/invulnerability skill, but each class has their own twist on it with how it works to keep them all distinct.


Both games excel in their own ways really, PoE is a lot more creative and experimental in their content, but the lack of polish in the engine shows. I shouldn't drop from 100+ for to 30ish just because a mod rolled on a map (burning ground), and trying to turn on engine multithreading to get better fps makes me crash every 30 mins or so. The hype for killing Uber atziri this weekend for the first time though was better than anything I've experienced in D3 where success is 90% RNG for getting good mob types, density, and elites. Looking forward to making my first shaper attempts next weekend.

 

[Basketball]

I played it after the new stuff came out, and combat still feels like garbage compared to D3, IMO.

The rest of the game could be amazing, but actually playing it moment-to-moment just doesn't feel good enough for this kind of game in 2017.

yikes if D3 combat is the barometer

 

[Anoregon]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieNk4aNcMuY

The problem with linking something like this to someone who doesn't already have a good amount of experience with PoE is that they won't have any idea what the hell they are looking at beyond "stuff is exploding"

 

[CitizenVectron]

yikes if D3 combat is the barometer

And yikes if PoE can't even live up to that level.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

yikes if D3 combat is the barometer

What...

If that's a poor barometer, then I don't want a good one.

 

[ZealousD]

I'm looking at these videos and it looks like the players characters are all so stiff. Like you're moving a plastic figure around.

 

[Ploid 3.0]

Is it better than Marvel Heroes?

I play both, Marvel Heroes more because it had predefined classes each month or so, and it's marvel. Path of Exile is the better game, it's not even close. Marvel Heroes was just mindless fun, the hub semi MMO feel is why I played it more too.

There's nothing like the open patrol areas where randoms can come fight the same bosses you are fighting. At one point they had a Cut Throat PVP where maps were considered open zones for anyone, and you could kill other players.

 

[Dahbomb]

I used to think POE's combat blew but then I got to end game and started using skills like Herald of Ice, Whirling Blade and Frost Blades.

When you have reverb enabled and you start shattering everything in sight, it feels god damn nice and satisfying.


A lot of criticisms that people have about PoE can be levied against most other ARPGs of these kind too. Spamming one skill over and grinding in end game for loot? Yeah that's what all of them are like if you want to be efficient.


Also LMAO @ linking these end game videos with speed farm builds using perfect items, Head Hunters, Dying Suns and Micro transaction effects. This is not at all what most players will ever get to experience. This is like showing a GR110 4 man group D3 plahthrough and be like "look at how shit the combat is". If you don't heavily play these games then you won't even know what you are even watching.

Best to just play for yourself and decide. The game is free after all.

 

[Khezu]

Out of all the point and click loot games, Diablo 3 did feel the best when I tried it.

Combat felt snappy and fun.

Blizzard may suck at 90% of everything, but they got polish and character feel down pat.

 

[HackTheSlash]

Been real interested in trying it for a long time as Diablo franchise is one of my favs. So another game that scratches that itch for me is always welcomed.

However, sadly i dont own a PC and it doesnt look like a PS4 version is happening last i read. Hopefully one day ill get a chance to play it.

 

[danthefan]

I'll give this a go in a week or so. What are some decent builds for a newbie?

 

[PrimeBeef]

I try it out every year and while I like the class system, I find the combat too slow to be enjoyable. Just like D2, it was fun back in the day, but it's just a slog now.

 

[Dahbomb]

I'll give this a go in a week or so. What are some decent builds for a newbie?

Probably should head over to the PoE community thread in the Community sub forum of GAF. Newbie builds these days are life, melee, attack based with some Elemental conversion. Stuff like Sunder, Blade Flurry, Cyclone and Frost Blades are in right now for newbies.

 

[Composer]

Honestly the crown for best combat in ARPG is still with Torchlight 2. If you haven't played Torchlight 2, then you've really been missing out huge. Ex-Diablo 2 devs made the game.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Honestly the crown for best combat in ARPG is still with Torchlight 2. If you haven't played Torchlight 2, then you've really been missing out huge. Ex-Diablo 2 devs made the game.

I can't get into Torchlight for the simple fact that the difficulty settings affect only mob health and damage and don't change exp gain or loot quality or anything else. Bothers the hell out of me and seems completely against the principles of the genre.

 

[nicoga3000]

Probably should head over to the PoE community thread in the Community sub forum of GAF. Newbie builds these days are life, melee, attack based with some Elemental conversion. Stuff like Sunder, Blade Flurry, Cyclone and Frost Blades are in right now for newbies.

Can vouch for this post. I'm running a Sunder build and it's pretty great.

 

[Venfayth]

I know nothing about this game.

Can I play a lifesteal character/build?

 

[Kadin]

I try it out every year and while I like the class system, I find the combat too slow to be enjoyable. Just like D2, it was fun back in the day, but it's just a slog now.

I'm guessing you didn't get very far into PoE if you felt it was too slow. This is a common complaint and it sucks that people immediately get turned off by it and just don't push forward. The payoff is there if you put in the time, but too many people want that fast immediately available feeling of flying through and destroying everything out of the gate.

I have 2 friends who I know would enjoy PoE but they just can't get through the slow part of the game. The feeling of accomplishment is definitely there if people are willing to just give it a bit of time...

 

[Gothos]

And yikes if PoE can't even live up to that level.

It easly can. Heck, it surpasses it. But not on level one, sorry.

 

[uncredited male]

I know nothing about this game.

Can I play a lifesteal character/build?

A lot of builds use life leech for survival. Your actions come from equipped gems. Equip fireball gem, can cast fireball. There are also support gems that can augment those gems. One is life leech.

https://pathofexile.gamepedia.com/Life_Leech_Support

So you equip a lightning attack gem and a life leech gem together and your lightning attacks would leech life.

 

[krameriffic]

Also to the people that say combat is boring at first in this game but hold Diablo 2 in high regard. Please go back and replay that game.
I play it once a year and the first 35-40 levels combat wise are generally pretty bland. In Diablo 2 combat doesn't start really opening up until you get your level 30 skills or beef up a few other skills. PoE is structured similarly in that some of the interesting support and skill gems have a level 28-35 level req. I really like the escalation of power in both games though. You can feel yourself growing stronger opposed to just feeling like an OP god right from the get go.
I can see why people would prefer one over the other though.

editing in this quote:


I agree with this 100%. As much as I love PoE and even D3 to a certain extent nothing comes close to the music and vibes of Diablo 2 for me.

I find the best way to make the combat feel good is to get a good crit character with a lot of cold damage. Shattering enemies in PoE is the best feeling in its combat and I wish they would take the time to polish up and improve the feeling of a lot of the other stuff. It's just window dressing, but it's important window dressing for a lot of potential players.

I try it out every year and while I like the class system, I find the combat too slow to be enjoyable. Just like D2, it was fun back in the day, but it's just a slog now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQiP5plg5Ic&feature=youtu.be&t=187

Yep, looks slow to me.

 

[Dahbomb]

I know nothing about this game.

Can I play a lifesteal character/build?

Everyone plays a lifesteal character.. LMAO!

 

[diablogod]

I find the best way to make the combat feel good is to get a good crit character with a lot of cold damage. Shattering enemies in PoE is the best feeling in its combat and I wish they would take the time to polish up and improve the feeling of a lot of the other stuff. It's just window dressing, but it's important window dressing for a lot of potential players.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQiP5plg5Ic&feature=youtu.be&t=187

Yep, looks slow to me.

Yea, I think people just like feeling strong right from the get-go and in Path of Exile I think it takes until like level 30-40 when you have an aura or 2 and you've got your main skills, that's when you really start feeling the power.

 

[bati]

I find the best way to make the combat feel good is to get a good crit character with a lot of cold damage. Shattering enemies in PoE is the best feeling in its combat and I wish they would take the time to polish up and improve the feeling of a lot of the other stuff. It's just window dressing, but it's important window dressing for a lot of potential players.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQiP5plg5Ic&feature=youtu.be&t=187

Yep, looks slow to me.

PoE threads are always hilarious this way. You can spot people who haven't seen the endgame from a mile away.

"PoE's combat is slow", "D3's combat is better"

Lol, no.

 

[Primethius]

PoE threads are always hilarious this way. You can spot people who haven't seen the endgame from a mile away.

"PoE's combat is slow", "D3's combat is better"

Lol, no.

Well... yes? Time investment is a thing. If you need to invest time to get to the part where the combat feels "good" when the alternative feels "good" from the get go, of course that will color people's opinions of a game.

 

[bati]

Yea, I think people just like feeling strong right from the get-go and in Path of Exile I think it takes until like level 30-40 when you have an aura or 2 and you've got your main skills, that's when you really start feeling the power.

Many builds take until level 70+ plus before they start feeling good. Spell crit probably 85+, before you have enough nodes for crit chance and multi. Not to mention the difference a 6th link can make in how the build performs.

And that's pretty much the worst thing about the game, and probably the reason why the game gets such a bad rap among players who just dip their toes in. Sure there are some builds that are powerful at low-mid levels, especially if you use twink gear, but many don't scale so well in the end.

 

[bati]

Well... yes? Time investment is a thing. If you need to invest time to get to the part where the combat feels "good" when the alternative feels "good" from the get go, of course that will color people's opinions of a game.

People were level 90 on day 2 of the league, just saying. Leveling in this game is not some herculean task, it can be annoying as shit if you pick a wrong build/skill and try to level with it though.

 

[PrimeBeef]

PoE threads are always hilarious this way. You can spot people who haven't seen the endgame from a mile away.

"PoE's combat is slow", "D3's combat is better"

Lol, no.

That's the thing, I never said D3s combat is better. And yes, I haven't seen PoE endgame. I just don't have the patience to slog through something I do not enjoy to eventually get to something I may. And to the guy who postes that video, that is not the typical experience you get while leveling up. So not a fair comparison.

Yes the systems and story have tons more depth than D3. But D3 feels better and is more fun prior to end game to me. As always, I nevwr post to say xxx game sucks the one I like is better. I love the variety and competition wotj games. It only helps to make them better products. Now if PoE can make the leveling experience more similar to the end game, then I'll add it to my regulars list of games I play. Until then, I'll keep checking in to see how it fares.

 

[carlsojo]

D3 is fun, what I played of PoE is not.

Would PoE be fun if I invested a ton of hours into it? Probably. If I have to play to the endgame for it to get "fun", then that's bad design.

 

[PrimeBeef]

Yea, I think people just like feeling strong right from the get-go and in Path of Exile I think it takes until like level 30-40 when you have an aura or 2 and you've got your main skills, that's when you really start feeling the power.

That's the thing, unless you use a gem of ease and or use all your paragon points you are not that powerful early on in D3 especially on higher difficulties. It just feels good to me right off the line. I never hit that point with a character in PoE.