Path of Excellence 2 is partially here!

Path of Exile 2 enters the scene with a promising mix of refinement and challenge. Here's what stands out:

Positives:
+ We can play it! After much anticipation, it’s finally accessible.
+ It’s challenging. A true test for those who love a good fight.
+ Streamlined design. Less bloated than its predecessor, which makes it feel fresh.
+ New-player friendly. Easier to grasp, making it a great entry point for beginners.
+ Online pause feature. Yes, you can actually pause now, so go ahead and answer the door!
+ Solid campaign. The campaign is already engaging and well-designed.
+ Endgame ready. A wealth of content to sink your teeth into after the campaign.
+ Thriving player base. Tons of players diving in to explore everything it offers.
+ Active developers. Frequent updates and clear communication from the team.

Negatives:
- Early Access caveats. It’s still in development. Your beloved uber build might get nerfed tomorrow. If you
don’t want to beta test, maybe wait a year.
- Monster knockback. Mobs can be relentless bullies, pushing you around like it’s their job.
- Limited movement options. Getting surrounded means you’re either exploding mobs fast or dying while trying to dodge-roll out. A phasing dodge-roll would help.
- Slow pacing at the start. Movement feels sluggish, like walking with weights. A slight speed boost would go a long way for first impressions.
- Unforgiving one-shot mechanics. Some classes and personal builds struggle with this. Definitely skip Hardcore mode on your first run unless you enjoy pain.
- Where's the loot?! (not that much need for a filter yet at least)

Overall:
Path of Exile 2 offers a challenging and streamlined experience, with features that cater to both new and veteran players. However, it’s still in Early Access, so expect tweaks and rough edges along the way. If you're ready to embrace its growing pains, dive in. The game is already shaping up to be a worthy successor.