I think Beserker is the toughest faction to play because they don't have any overpowered abilities (i.e. Cleric's Black Hole)
I could definitely imagine that being the case. I used the Rusty Axe for a long time; progressed from that to a chainsaber, then to a broadsword. The first change alone felt amazing. I upgraded that from I-II stupidly not realising the rise in stat requirements so had to switch for awhile to a two-hander. I didn't like the slowness of that, so I went back to the Broadsword II when I could and stayed with it for the rest of the game. I poisoned and socketed it to III late game. Combined with the poison aura, it was a fairly strong combination. I could strike and then use fleeing/jetpack as a weapon. The beserker magic in general was ok, but I didn't rely upon it that heavily.
For ranged, I avoided the redeemer and didn't upgrade the war bows. But I did use the Executor - especially for handling the fighting colossus. They were satisfying to demolish late game as well.
It bodes well for the game that many times I found myself mumbling under my breath "so much for you, filthy beast!" after defeating previously encountered, brutal enemies (Molochs, Slugbeasts, Patron and Mountain Trolls all of whom could easily one shot me.)
I had so much fun luring the Moloch north of that small farm back to the farmers where that defecting "Rock" character was hanging out and seeing the mayhem that ensued from a rooftop. Those unpredictable elements made Elex so much fun at times.
I can understand that view for sure. One aspect which detracted a little from this for me was the monster placement which got a little haphazard and overly heavy towards the end of the game. Skull level mobs were often placed in clumps quite close to teleporters for example. One section of the valley of the damned was crazy.I have to say I found Magalan considerably more interesting to explore than the island in Risen. Faranga was much smaller and kind of generic by comparison.
I also stopped bothering to crack safes after awhile as the effort for their contents didn't seem worth it.
That said, I reckon I only found half of those map pieces for that puzzle in Origin, so that's something for a replay. I think I missed one or two photographs for that achievement as well.
@Lemonhead;. Thankfully, yes! HiddenX reported it here: https://www.rpgwatch.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37333
One thing I'd like to see return in Elex 2 from PB's previous games, is the ability to loot stunned or knocked out opponents. It'd be great to have the choice of whether to inflict the coup de grace as well; as I loved that ferocious mechanic from Gothic.