How I met your Exile
It's basically an accident waiting to happen. Despite what a certain PRC scholar may imply, I think more like a cat. In other words, it is down to the marriage union of curiosity and whims. I accidentally came across an article listing the top 50 F2P games of the year. Path of Exile happened to be one of them (together with Neverwinter). While Neverwinter got a 7/10 score from Steam (which is a 0.5 score improvement compared to last time round if I recall correctly), Path of Exile got a 9/10. So yeah, Steam got me sold on this one.
Steeper learning curve (plus why you should/shouldn't be playing this as a SingTel subscriber)
My first impression on the game is that it has a steep learning curve compared to the other two games I've played before (namely, Marvel Heroes and Neverwinter). Firstly, be mentally prepared to spend like 2-3 days finishing a quest if you're a casual gamer. The reason why being that navigation in PoE is anything but idiot proof. In fact, the interface can be seen as anti-idiot proof (then again, you can just hop onto the wiki here).
When we talk about navigation, there's no map for you (well, you can press tab, but that will only highlight the areas covered). You have to run around killing stuff (or getting yourself killed for that matter) if you want to truly appreciate the game. In certain stages, there is a waypoint. However, you'll need to find it to unlock that waypoint. At the same time, please remember to left click once you stand on top of it. That thing won't activate itself like some auto-sensor mechanism. Once you unlock the waypoint, you'll be able to instant-teleport from the respective stage to Lioneye's Watch (apparently, I'm still stuck at Act 1). Otherwise, you'll need to use a portal scroll.
Note: Above section was done earlier than today. Apparently, I'm now at Forest Encampment.
On the Singtel part, it depends on your choice. If there's anything I've found out, it'd be that Singtel is good for casual browsing, not so good for online gaming. In Neverwinter, you can get away with lag so as to speak. This is due to any lag resulting in a delay in the animation being executed. For PoE, lag means your moves won't come out. Period. I suspect this has got something to do with the quality of the instance servers where the presence of lag is concerned. The issue may lie in data processing where the difference between Neverwinter and PoE is that of delay versus a literal non-response.
Note: Come to think of it, I have to thank SingTel for honing my tactical senses via the fact that you'll need at least a Starhub connection to game online without lag death.
Note: Above section was done earlier than today. Apparently, I'm now at Forest Encampment.
On the Singtel part, it depends on your choice. If there's anything I've found out, it'd be that Singtel is good for casual browsing, not so good for online gaming. In Neverwinter, you can get away with lag so as to speak. This is due to any lag resulting in a delay in the animation being executed. For PoE, lag means your moves won't come out. Period. I suspect this has got something to do with the quality of the instance servers where the presence of lag is concerned. The issue may lie in data processing where the difference between Neverwinter and PoE is that of delay versus a literal non-response.
Note: Come to think of it, I have to thank SingTel for honing my tactical senses via the fact that you'll need at least a Starhub connection to game online without lag death.
Masters Everywhere!
It's quite hilarious when I invented the title above. Period.
If there's anything I've learnt, it'd be not to log off after taking on a Master's mission when they first popped up. If you decide to take the mission, please finish it. Period. This is to ensure that Master would appear in the respective town. So far so good, I've unlocked Elreon, Tora, and Catarina in order of appearance. Hopefully, I can unlock Vorici once Faustean reaches Sarn. I've gotten Elreon at level 3 with Catarina at level 2. Once Tora reaches level 2 as well, it means the Library hideout won't feel so boring. That plus Purity of Elements. Period.
Note: Hopefully, I can up a post on my current experience with Masters so far.
Note: Hopefully, I can up a post on my current experience with Masters so far.
Zerg and anti-zerg
The trademark of any mob in this game is the process of zerging. This can get quite sticky in stages like Prison (for Act I) and... well, basically any stage in Act II. Therefore, it's only right to devise an anti-zerging strategy (especially so if you're a Shadow since the key stats are Intelligence and Dexterity, neither giving you an increment in Life). Anti-zerging can be broadly classified into three categories.
Cat I:
This involves the synergy of aggro-grab and smash, something which tanks and off tanks are known to do in any MMO. There are three types of Warcry skills: Abyssal Cry, Enduring Cry, and Rallying Cry. Basically, this is the aggro-grabbing part. As for the smashing part, go for skills like Molten Strike, Blade Flurry, and Molten Shell. As for support gems, go for Melee Splash.
Examples of beneficiaries from Cat I: Marauders (basically any one of them), dps-based Templars (preferably with Abyssal Cry and plenty of direct damage skills), and Strength-based Duelists (only with sufficient Armour rating)
Cat II:
This involves a core AoE move and a high damage attack. While this can be very tank-friendly, it's more suited for damage dealing builds relying on evasion more oft than not. The AoE aspect is there to soften up the mob, after which the high damage attack will be responsible for taking them out. The former aspect is quite straightforward, the latter aspect requires a one-two synergy between the default attack and a staple direct attack skill. For support gems, go for the added damage types.
Examples of beneficiaries from Cat II: Marauders (mainly for the Str-Dex build), Witches (basically any of them), Rangers (same as their gender BFF), Duelists (same as their gender opposite paramours), and Dexterity-based Shadows (because the best offence is their best defence)
Cat III:
No, this doesn't involve Hong Kong. Rather, Cat III is all about pure anti-zerging. By that, I mean each and every single move (apart from default attack) being 100% AoE-centric. Not only that, Cat III is all about pure AoE direct damage. Also, Melee Splash.
Examples of beneficiaries from Cat III: Basically every manner of Shadow and Witches choosing the dps route.
Examples of beneficiaries from Cat III: Basically every manner of Shadow and Witches choosing the dps route.
Oriath and Wraeclast+Catalans and Germans=Tinkering
Have to say the progression was a case of hitting the slow burner. The map system is done in such a way that you'll need to cover ground. Not every inch of it per se, but the map system is done in such a way that it will only register the parts of terrain which you've been to. Interestingly, it seems that levelling up in Act I may be far easier (and faster) compared to levelling up in Act II and onward. At this point of time, levelling up has slowed down. In Act I, I actually hit like around 20 levels. In Act II, the pace slowed down to more than half (i.e. around 8 levels up). In other words, it's very likely that Act I is meant to get the players used to the overall difficulty in Normal mode. Which now comes to an interesting question: Should the monster level denote anything significant?
Firstly, it must be stated that the monster level should be seen as the median standard. You don't expect to fight a level 12 Brutus in Act I: Prison Break just because the prison zone has a monster level of 12. Secondly, the monster level is more likely an indication of challenge directed towards the hardcore gamers. In other words, do not assume your current zone is reserved for casual gamers of X level just because the monster level is of the same value. Because I'm very sure it's not.
Gameplay in Path of Exile is all about two things: Resistance and passive skills. The former is more towards the gear while the latter is about Life and damage. My personal recommendation would be selecting your choice of gear based on resistance as the first priority. As for the passive skill tree, try to get Power whenever possible (this is due to plenty of zerging in the game). Otherwise, either you focus on Intelligence (only for Witches) or Dexterity (Shadows and Duelists). Another thing of note is slowing down. If you think elemental attacks are bad... well, you're actually right. Try fighting the squid queen and Shelob. The former wasn't that bad (unless you're dumb enough to ditch the movement buff flask), the latter means you'll have to be luckier than Frodo Baggins because not even that fat Sam can save you from absolute death once she webs you (again, this is proof that you need that movement buff flask).
Act I is very important both plot-wise and gameplay-wise. Plot-wise because I won't be surprised if the likes of Tarkleigh, Bestel, and that oh-so-beautiful Nessa will appear in the next mod where Oriath will do its own downfall of Rome. Gameplay wise because you only have this much of a time to get used to the zerging and unique boss fights. Act II is where the actual battle starts, so please make sure you have your fighting style down pat. Or at least knowing what you should be doing. If there's anything outstanding about this game, it'd be that planning your character build is far less a hassle than MMO cynics otherwise thought. You only need to know three things: The manner of your dps (pure Power, Power-Dex, or pure spell spam), which stats you want to focus on, and whether you prefer a single stat build or dual stat build.
Once you know what you want in terms of stats, the hard part comes. That is dealing with the fights. In order to do so correctly, you'll need to decide whether you want to be a brave idiot (read: stand and fight build) or an intelligent coward (read: hit and run build). At the same time, there are moments where infinite respawn happens. This is particularly true in any boss fights where reinforcements will arrive in fixed intervals after you got rid of the current wave. What this means is that an effective mob clearing approach is a must where asap becomes the magic word.
On the move set, you need to decide clearly what to use and when. At the same time, know your staple move and bread-butter approach. The former means pulling off your first move, the latter indicating what to do 7 times out of 10. Using default attack as the bread-butter may be recommended in early game, but it may not be that effective in mid or late game (more specifically, using default attack in this manner for mid or late game should never be recommended for Rangers. Duelists, and Shadows due to a piss poor defensive game which depends mostly on the Evasion rate).
The moveset is what got me sold apart from the passive skill tree. The customising factor is verily good. The passive skill tree is all about ease of usage (read: you only need to use this much of your brain to get things done right), the moveset is more testing on your actual intelligence. You can create all sorts of crazy builds, believe it or not. In other words, the only difference between a genius and a muppet lies in whether it works or not. In this sense, Path of Exile can be seen as quite anti-Singaporean. Don't believe me? Take my dare, think like a Singaporean when playing this game. The fact that you have an effective Marauder means sod all if my Shadow is tactically better than your Karui. After all, Pep is never a Singaporean botak in the same way Joachim is never a Singaporean Löwe. And let's not talk about the fact that Conte being a Singaporean tactical genius means a prolonged stay at the IMH.
Firstly, it must be stated that the monster level should be seen as the median standard. You don't expect to fight a level 12 Brutus in Act I: Prison Break just because the prison zone has a monster level of 12. Secondly, the monster level is more likely an indication of challenge directed towards the hardcore gamers. In other words, do not assume your current zone is reserved for casual gamers of X level just because the monster level is of the same value. Because I'm very sure it's not.
Gameplay in Path of Exile is all about two things: Resistance and passive skills. The former is more towards the gear while the latter is about Life and damage. My personal recommendation would be selecting your choice of gear based on resistance as the first priority. As for the passive skill tree, try to get Power whenever possible (this is due to plenty of zerging in the game). Otherwise, either you focus on Intelligence (only for Witches) or Dexterity (Shadows and Duelists). Another thing of note is slowing down. If you think elemental attacks are bad... well, you're actually right. Try fighting the squid queen and Shelob. The former wasn't that bad (unless you're dumb enough to ditch the movement buff flask), the latter means you'll have to be luckier than Frodo Baggins because not even that fat Sam can save you from absolute death once she webs you (again, this is proof that you need that movement buff flask).
Act I is very important both plot-wise and gameplay-wise. Plot-wise because I won't be surprised if the likes of Tarkleigh, Bestel, and that oh-so-beautiful Nessa will appear in the next mod where Oriath will do its own downfall of Rome. Gameplay wise because you only have this much of a time to get used to the zerging and unique boss fights. Act II is where the actual battle starts, so please make sure you have your fighting style down pat. Or at least knowing what you should be doing. If there's anything outstanding about this game, it'd be that planning your character build is far less a hassle than MMO cynics otherwise thought. You only need to know three things: The manner of your dps (pure Power, Power-Dex, or pure spell spam), which stats you want to focus on, and whether you prefer a single stat build or dual stat build.
Once you know what you want in terms of stats, the hard part comes. That is dealing with the fights. In order to do so correctly, you'll need to decide whether you want to be a brave idiot (read: stand and fight build) or an intelligent coward (read: hit and run build). At the same time, there are moments where infinite respawn happens. This is particularly true in any boss fights where reinforcements will arrive in fixed intervals after you got rid of the current wave. What this means is that an effective mob clearing approach is a must where asap becomes the magic word.
On the move set, you need to decide clearly what to use and when. At the same time, know your staple move and bread-butter approach. The former means pulling off your first move, the latter indicating what to do 7 times out of 10. Using default attack as the bread-butter may be recommended in early game, but it may not be that effective in mid or late game (more specifically, using default attack in this manner for mid or late game should never be recommended for Rangers. Duelists, and Shadows due to a piss poor defensive game which depends mostly on the Evasion rate).
The moveset is what got me sold apart from the passive skill tree. The customising factor is verily good. The passive skill tree is all about ease of usage (read: you only need to use this much of your brain to get things done right), the moveset is more testing on your actual intelligence. You can create all sorts of crazy builds, believe it or not. In other words, the only difference between a genius and a muppet lies in whether it works or not. In this sense, Path of Exile can be seen as quite anti-Singaporean. Don't believe me? Take my dare, think like a Singaporean when playing this game. The fact that you have an effective Marauder means sod all if my Shadow is tactically better than your Karui. After all, Pep is never a Singaporean botak in the same way Joachim is never a Singaporean Löwe. And let's not talk about the fact that Conte being a Singaporean tactical genius means a prolonged stay at the IMH.
Some issues with the game (because I suddenly feel like being Steve Jobs)
There are two main things I have a problem with. Namely, a gross lack of inventory space and the half-baked mapping system.
The former means you'll have to use portal scrolls more often than not. While portal scrolls do drop quite frequently, using them just because you need to offload a few stuff is nothing short of disruptive. Gaming experience hinges heavily on momentum. Tactically speaking, it's nothing. But the process of gaming is never just about the mind. It's also about the heart. Imagine feeling bummed just because you're on the roll and you have to use a portal scroll for an unwanted timeout. And let's not get me started on what happens if you slot in a Rampage Leaguestone ("I'm making a killing and now I need to do a port!!!!!").
If the former feels like a trifling, I can understand. The way the mapping system works means you're definitely screwed if you have to stop playing the game for the day without finding the exit. It's virtually a case of ground zero. There are those who don't mind this since they want to be the Wraeclast's Next Top Guts or Oriath's Next Top Kratos. Then there are those who only want the whole damn navigation over and done with (in particular, I'm born an idiot when it comes to navigation and getting disoriented). There's a reason why I am still wasting time running about in my bid to exit the Northern Forest stage.
At the same time, this game can be quite challenging on two fronts. First, it's the difficulty level. Secondly, you'll need to devote a certain amount of time to excel unlike the more casual friendly stuff like Neverwinter. In fact, I won't be surprised if Path of Exile requires around 2-3 hrs of daily gaming time for any given character to excel beyond Normal mode (okay, maybe only Merciless mode. Depends on how good a gamer you are, I guess). Depending on your gaming schedule, this may mean a great deal. And this is not to mention any end game content will involve enemies 12 levels above the maximum character level cap (read: their level 82 is higher than your level 70). On the flip side, however, it also means you won't have anything to do once you break the level 82 glass ceiling. *shrugs*
My advice to anyone interested in taking on this monster of a game is very simple. While the game won't force you to play a raiding party, this option helps a lot if you're not one to burn the midnight oil just to take down a boss in a stage where your level is higher than the monster level. However, it must be stated that if you want to join a guild (not necessary if you're only out to do the occasional party raid), please be mentally prepared to devote a certain amount of time to learn and game on a consistent basis (in particularly, joining a guild helps a megaton lot when it comes to doing any end game raids).
Immediate plans
I won't be ditching Neverwinter. After all, I've devoted too much time and resources to it for me to hand in a transfer request from Manchester United to Borussia Dortmund (so as to speak). As of now, I need to devote more gaming time in this context due to the double refinement event coming up two weeks later or so. I really need to rejig my gear where Arylos is concerned (read: maxing out a Greater Twined Rope of Dexterity and getting a mystic DC sigil). In fact, my HR main is far from end game level. For the time being, I'll need to allocate my gaming time in such a way that I don't have to burn the midnight oil for dumb reasons. Thankfully, Path of Exile doesn't require a daily grind to make things count (read: number of quests apart from the map fights aren't that a lot to start with).
List of Path of Exile characters (because I got nothing better to do)
List of protagonists:
(aka the Night Wolf)
(aka Lancer of the Songs)
(aka the Lost)
(aka The Saint)
(aka Jayne Doe)
(aka the Living Curse)
(aka the Noble One)
Who would have imagined such a day? The day where the line between fear and love first blurred, the day where Nessa made a leashed dog out of a wolf untamable. Tarkleigh could only give her his blessings. More than anyone else, he understood respect where the Night Wolf is concerned.
She detested him, she knew the manner of his birth. The dashing duelist could say all he want when it come to disowning his lineage. No semblance of self-justification would ever sate her anger towards the manner of Tolman's death. Yet, there seemed to be something in him. Something which reminded her of a love so cruelly robbed days ago.
Others could see the anger in a beast, she saw a purity in a soul. It was both pristine and crimson red, full of primal rage and surreal calm.
He hated those exiles. They were the reason why so much grief and many a tragedy happened to his tribe. He saw his betrothed raped and enslaved by Oak, her lovely figure never to be seen again. His father was burnt alive by Alira while that dastardly Kraityn plundered whatever little his kin has gleaned. As for that witch... she reminded him of the woman he loved. Foul sorcery afoot surely.
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