The bulk of the exotics are just a tad too unexciting to me. I do like the idea of exotics being "different" rather than "strictly better", but most of the effects just feel a bit bland. I'd like to see them pursue heavy tradeoffs, where the positive effects are big and bold, but there's a real tradeoff to using them so they each have very specific niches they're good in.
To hold up an ideal example, I think Touch of Malice was a beautiful design- from the quest to obtain it, to the lore and aesthetics, to the exotic effect itself. To date, my favorite Exotic Bungie has created. A+
In D2, exotics I like, though not quite to the same extent, are Sweet Business, Riskrunner, (which is probably a more fair take on the powerful Zhalo) Coldheart, and Merciless. (which IS a niche weapon, despite its power. Not great at clearing adds or particularly noteworthy in Crucible- really just a boss shredder) Haven't tried Acrius yet but it looks like fun.
