yes

Haha (Ains here) and yeah, I don’t even have time to play all the games I know I’d love. Nevermind ones I have NO interest in. lol

(Additional note – Infinity Nikki!!! Ains, if anyone could show respect and disinterest at the same time then you basically nailed it. One of the funniest moments for me because at one stage i literally thought you were going to say you would check it out.)

I will certainly reach out with questions when i start PoE2, as i am expecting to be a little baffled and i am not one for watching guides. Much better to have a conversation. Not sure when i am starting. Hopefully by next weekend. Thank you for offering to help.

Thank you so much! I’m sure we’ll be chatting but be sure to let me know if you have any questions on PoE2 as you begin. Happy to help!

Firstly, a very interesting read, and like other reviewers i respect, you speak with us in a way we understand. That keeps it real for a gamer like me.

If i have any question, as someone who only really has experience of Diablo, and played very little of the original Path of Exile, it would be the console control as i have never been able to adjust to mouse and keyboard so all gaming has been with a controller. Does it feel anywhere near as smooth as playing, for example, Diablo 4? Obviously i realise that PoE generally is far more complex, or that is how it looks to me, with some of its systems. But it would help to know if i would feel comfortable with the overall control of the game – if it will feel natural for me.

Really pleased to read that this moves away from a structure where it’s better to just button mash – i want to feel like i am putting in an effort, and using a little strategy. I am also happy to note that movement is more agile. Dodging of any variety is always a blessing for me. Quite literally a life saver at times.

It’s reassuring to hear there is a more engaging story, though i accept we only have the first three acts to base any thoughts on so far. I do like a narrative to my games. It adds motivation and reason, and it helps me invest and feel a level of passion and emotion for the journey i am undertaking.

The issue you mention with loot progression is a tiny concern but i will be taking this game slow as i learn and adjust to how it plays, so maybe i won’t feel the unrewarding nature as strongly. And i have always struggled to really dive in deeply to builds and gear so for this reason also i might not feel the effects as much as others.

Got to end on the skill tree – where some may find these overwhelming, i just look at this and feel huge excitement. To me it shows scope, endless options, and provides an eagerness to explore the paths that i can open up. But this is just me. I am an old man gamer who is making up for lost time having discovered my gaming passion quite late in life. And yet still taking time to explore each game i immerse myself into.

Will be interested if you write a similar review for the Atlas Map endgame after you have experienced it enough to form an opinion.

Fantastic article. A great read with my morning coffee.