I prefer PoE 2 over PoE 1

First, my list of game design criticisms:

- Too many maps share the same pattern—just a giant random maze. There isn't enough layout contrast between them. Entrances and exits feel weightless and random. Most of the time, I only know I'm at a boss encounter because there's a checkpoint and a door.

- The currency and item drop rates feel off. Too many players are going 10+ levels without finding a way to upgrade or replace their gear. Are we supposed to farm certain areas (like the Hunting Grounds)? If so, that needs to be clearer.

- The world map feels disjointed. The PoE1 map style would work much better in PoE2, since it helps you understand your progress through an act.

- Quest/boss rewards need to be more impactful. Getting uncut gems for completing a quest is lame. Permanent buffs, passive points, and clutch items are way better. I've started to be excited about seeing rare monsters, but I don't really see boss fights as ways to get better loot. In fact, they just feel like gates to the next area.

- Maybe we have to roll too often during boss fights, but I've seen signs that some players are figuring out strategies and builds that reduce constant rolling.

I love PoE1, but I burn out fast—usually one or two characters, then I reach red maps and quit. I've played the shit out of Diablo 2 and PoE1, and I'll always come back, but I'm interested in something different.

PoE2 has hooked me with its more intricate gameplay, and I can already see players coming up with strategies/builds for every boss and map. Ideally, it's like Dank Souls but with less fat rolling, far deeper character builds, more loot, more socializing, more ways to obliterate enemies, and more stuff to do. Obviously it's not fully there yet (day 3 of Early Access), but I trust GGG to tune it into a challenging and super rewarding experience.

Just like Diablo 2 was a big departure from Diablo, PoE2 is finally a major shift from the usual ARPG formula. I'm totally here for it.

To the haters: the difference between PoE1 and PoE2 comes down to the maturity of the power fantasy. When you're 14, you want to be Superman; when you're 25, you want to deal with the world on your own terms. PoE2 isn't a step back, broken, or too hard—it's just a different power fantasy.

GGG is not replacing the original game. They are creating a new experience to compliment it. They told us for over a year that this was their plan. So I don't really take any of the "we wanted more of PoE1", "you've betrayed us", or "you're alienating us" seriously. Honestly, we should play PoE1 when we want to "Melt Screens, Min-Max and Chill," and PoE2 when we want to "Git Gud or Die Trying." Pick your poison.

I don't.

I'm so, so sorry Siempreverde.