Despite a large number of bugs in this game, i still rate it five stars. A bit illogical i know, but everything about this game is so immersive and simply addictive that i just can't help it. The game features an open world which slowly opens up as you progress, with overwhelming amount of things to do. The story is unique in a sense that it revolves around you, the player, and it is a really well written game. Companions are also fun and each features a story and a unique character arc. So in addition to the main players story, your companions are also growing and evolving with you. The game also features an elaborate kingdom management. So it's not like you get a fort, then upgrade few walls and that's it. No your kingdom will crumble if neglected, and it is constantly being assaulted on all sides. Some of these you must resolve personally, while others can be resolved through your advisors and later ministers. Obvious downside of this game are bugs. There are plenty of them, mostly once you reach later stages of the game. Some are game breaking, others are simple enough to be barely noticeable. Luckily for me, i haven't encountered any game breaking bugs yet, and i am nearing the end of the game. However, i did encounter issues with non functioning NPC's, quests that aren't being updated, some class features and skill not working as intended etc. But while we are still on topic of bugs, i will say that devs are really doing their best to fix the most critical ones. The game is being patched at least three times per week since the release, and there are plenty more to come. I know they shouldn't be in game in the first place, but this is their first game, and i am willing to give them a pass, especially seeing how hard they try to fix it. I've bought this game without knowing anything about it, literally. I heard of it only few days before release. I took a risk and bought it, and i am glad i did!
I will try to keep it simple, and short. The main story: --- very short, nothing really exciting or interesting going on, quite underwhelming + variety of factions, all struggling for control and influence. Can feel like a chore after a while The world map: + It is big? --the world map features large number of repetitive interest points, several dungeons (some more interesting then others), small maps with bounty targets usually, and several scripted interactions. Again, quite underwhelming, and gives off as lazy design choice, since those repeat over and over. The visuals: +++ as usual, the visuals are beautiful. Notable improvement over the first game as well. The combat and classes: +++ large variety of classes to choose from, each offering unique gameplay. An accomplishment really considering how many classes and class combinations there are. --- combat is.. boring. At least during the first half, or until you reach certain levels. Usually 10~13 depending on the class choices and your build. Keep in mind that i am talking from the path of the damned difficulty POV. Since the nerf, the first half of the game is an absolute chore to go through. Enemies are literal damage sponges, and since you have very little in terms of skills and abilities, fights take forever, even with buffs. I just don't know what happened. PoE1 had no problems with balance, as i recall. Overall? Very disappointing. PoE1 is a superior game in almost every aspect.
As it stands now, the game suffers from way to many bugs, especially considering the game has been in early access for a year or so. None of the bugs that i have encountered (of which are many), are game breaking, but they do happen often, and in volume. The story is really contrived, and has to many "plot twits", some of which are really predictable. At the end, you feel overwhelmed, and simply have a hard time following who is who, and in my case, i simply stopped caring. You may get that "OH" moment the first time, or few times after, but at the end it just feels messy. Speaking of the end, all of this is perfectly reflected in the final battle. Luckily, the game retains all the positives from the first game. Freedom to solve the puzzles and quests in different ways, freedom to customize your character and the companions in any way you seem fit, freedom to explore and play the game at the pace you prefer, elaborate crafting, etc. All of which is why we love and play this game. What i liked the most is the setting. You have this really dark and brutal setting. Some of the things happening around you are extremely brutal in fact, yet the characters or npc's often react with humor. The first area is the perfect example. The "Fort Joy", which is complete opposite considering the things happening there. Regarding the puzzles, I have an impression that there are less hidden switches and levers this time around, but the puzzles still rely on trial and error, rather then logic, and some are especially annoying. When it comes to combat, it tends to be extremely difficult at the begging of the game, until about lvl 4, then it gets progressively easier as the game goes on, to the point of having very few if any challenges until the end game. That is something we experienced in the first game as well. Please note that my experience is based on tactician mode, which is highest difficulty before the honor mode, which features permanent death mechanic. Overall, i can't say that i am happy with the game. I don't mind the bugs to much, as they can be fixed, but the story can't. I remember when i first completed the game one, i immediately wanted to play again, here it just felt like a mess to me. Even the end game summary you get, feels like a mess. Jumping from one story bit to another in non cohesive manner, characters i was having hard time remembering.. etc. Some of which don't seem that important. Anyway, it is a good game, but not as good as the first one.
