So guys and gals:
What can you tell me about this game?
(-> I have pre-ordered it, but no beta key) Pros and cons, please.
Not sure if the game is in a state where you can really list the pros and cons. Getting dropped at level 5 into a new settings is somewhat overwhelming.
It feels like an Infinity Engine games, but with more stat/skill check in dialog and the disposition system. I really suggest people play in Expert Mode has well, or at least disable most of the stuff in the options.
Combat needs work. Might not be a lot of work though. After replaying last night, I'm going to have to say that it's not has fast has I thought in my first try. The problem is a lack of feedback which gives the impression it is too fast because things dies and you don't know why. My druid death stared a guy to death, because the auto-attacks don't always animate but you still do damage..somehow. Seems like most of the problems are on the pathfinding (they are changing it) and this auto-attack don't display problem.
Lots of spells choices for classes and they are not shared like in D&D. There is some classics that are returning with new names. All the classes get some abilities, some selected has talents others are just class ability you gain at specific levels.
About the classes:
Priests are buff/debuff and party healers (well stamina recovery healers). They are somewhat mid-ranged in term of spell ranges. Lots of AoE buff/debuff. Very handy.
Wizards are you classic D&D Wizard except that if they aren't casting spells, wands are actually useful weapons. I like the grimoire too.
Chanters are buff/debuff/summoners. Pretty cool class, I love how you can make your own songs too. Reminds me of Vanguard Bards actually.
Ciphers are weird. Well, their spells are weird. You always need a target with a soul in it, but some of the effects are AoE. For example, there is a spells that cause a shockwave behind the target it hit. Another spells create a link between you and a target damaging anything that goes between each others. Use focus, so you have to deal damage sometimes to cast spells.
Druids are cool. Not only can you look like a giant stag or lion, but they have all those elemental spells. They are no more nature Priest like in D&D, they are really one with nature in POE.
Monks and their wounds. The wounds systems is not a bad idea, they also have nice abilities...but mine didn't live long.
Paladins are more for roleplayers. Beside a few class abilities, their main features is that they lose class-related defensive buff if they move away from their order mentality. You really have to role-play these in line with their order to be effective.
Barbarians are awesome. I like them. Things dies when they are on the battlefields.
Rangers are bugged, bu the pet is cool, but like the monk, mine didn't live long. When you play a ranger you need to watch your pet. The stamina/health pool is shared between both.
Fighters and rogues are in their classic versions. Fighters are crazy tanks though. BB Fighter is unkillable when used well.
