During the team’s coverage of Tokyo Game Show 2024, we were invited to an intimate panel with Level Infinite and Grinding Gear Games to get a preview of the upcoming Path of Exile 2’s gameplay.
For someone like me who hasn’t been to many gameplay previews before, especially one with a big publisher like Level Infinite, it was definitely an eye-opening experience. It also didn’t help that I was in the presence of Grinding Gear Games Game Director Jonathan Rogers and later breathed the same air as PlayStation legend Shuhei Yoshida, Head of Playstation Indies, SIE.
So, you can only imagine the bundle of nerves that I was as I stepped into the room. But even so, after the whole session, I left filled with wonder, excitement, and anticipation for Path of Exile 2.
Rogers took the helm during the gameplay preview, showing off new classes, upgrades, and what players can expect from Path of Exile 2. Starting strong with the Mercenary class, which wielded ranged weapons like bows and guns, he gradually shifted to other classes like the Monk and Sorceress.
Yoshida talked with Rogers during most of the session, asking about what Path of Exile 2 had in store for its players when it launches this November 15. We were treated to a variety of different features, such as the range of skills that can be equipped and the different skill combinations that can be triggered to achieve a variety of effects.
They also showed off the simplified build system. And I I learned, as a Path of Exile noob, that the highly-complex build system was something the first game was notoriously known for.
The simplified version makes it great for new players, like me, to jump into the second game without having much knowledge about the first one. However, you can still choose to view the original build system, if that’s more up your alley.
But the one thing I was most excited about, which we got a preview of, was the local couch co-op. Rogers was able to play with Yoshida right there in the room, tackling hordes of foes and even a couple of tough bosses.
I was able to ask Rogers what his class recommendation was for new players, and he said that, besides the Monk or Sorceress, which can be a little squishy, most classes can be playable for newbies. Yoshida chimed in and shared that the Mercenary class can also be suitable for beginners, given its specialty in ranged weapons.
I have never played Path of Exile before, but this preview with Rogers and Yoshida totally changed my mindset, and I am now more excited to try out the game once it arrives this November 15.
The November 15 is a paid Early Access but it will be free once it fully launches.
