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This is an example of the cultural differences of gamers in the West vs East. Western gamers wouldn't tolerate some RMT loot box nonsense that waters down the value of the original drop (that's still obtainable, by the way). In the East, there's far more of an accepting culture when it comes to spending real money on in-game items, particularly when it comes to obtaining power, but that's tangential.

I think this is a much more balanced take compared to plenty of other comments. This does seem to be the case in the way both approach their systems. PoE has always been inherently about building into something, long term. Diablo, specifically 3 and 4, use an older formula and try to throw players into a rapid power creep that ultimately caps out much sooner or loses the complexity that PoE provides. That being said, plenty of people don't like the complexity that PoE has and prefer that 'on rails' path that Diablo has.

While I agree with you that this does seem to be nit-picking for D4's benefit (and obviously to be divisive, which is why you're all commenting), people are allowed different opinions. It's not fair to tell someone they aren't 'fit to be writing gaming articles' because they have an opinion on a game that you disagree with. 'Arguably better' is the correct language choice because there is no 'objective' *opinion*.

Regardless, I find it ridiculous that people even compare them. They're different games and people enjoy them for different reasons, with some major overlaps. Whether you agree or not, some people prefer Diablo over either PoE title, for various reasons, and that's perfectly fine. The same is true the other way around and that's good too!

If ever there were an appropriate time to add 'iz just game', this would be it.

You lost me a bit until your last paragraph. I do agree that a fourth spec is a good idea but it would be a logistical nightmare and they'd be dedicating themselves to permanently balancing another 11 specs (and balancing the rest of the game around them too). I'd love it and I hope they do commit to doing something like that but I think it's rather unlikely. The benefit of the hero talents is that they're the same idea but with significantly less work by comparison.

I'm glad they're finally removing pets from Marksman again. They didn't have them after the original rework, then it became about using Lone Wolf, then they nerfed it to the point that people started using pets again. The Marksmanship rework clarified the fantasy of a marksman, rather than a typical hunter (the most obvious hunter archetype being BM). Theoretically, a dog would actually fit it better if it was to have any sort of pet but it shouldn't and the eagle at least seems to be a compromise. There are two other specs for people who choose to use pets, it's not as if they are lost, they're just not for one spec because it doesn't fit the spec fantasy.

Considering they share the same rig as Goblins and the Alliance doesn't use the rig at all, I think so too. That being said, their whole backstory made more sense to join the Horde. Speaking of Goblins, I'm surprised they haven't joined the Alliance at all. They were neutral for most of the OG days and it wouldn't be hard to tie them back in as a neutral faction, considering how many cartels they have with their own self-interests. They've seemed way too self-interested to align with any one faction for as long as they've existed.