How I got rid of PoE addiction

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CanHasPants a écrit :

1) I can totally relate; however, for me, there was always something new to invent. When I met my goals for a build, I never said "okay, I won," but instead had another idea to play out with its own goals to be met.

The diversity in this game exceeds any other I have played--and I suspect that still holds true now--so long as you're willing to ignore the goals presented by the game itself (end of Merciless, maps, alternate content like Atziri) and establish your own (e.g., this unique combination can be built around and looks fun, but likely cannot surpass cruel; let's see if we can push into merciless with it). Interestingly, by doing this you avoid many of the worst parts of point 2).

I think, having read your point 1), that you might appreciate how this is at the same time a great strength for PoE, as well as a great weakness.

2) I am with ScrotieMcB on this. RNG is amazing, and GGG's commitment to RNG is commendable. The thing is, sometimes they get it right, and sometimes they don't. When good RNG is present, it makes for an incredible experience (e.g., the right mob affix with the right pack composition in the right environment--have you ever faced down a huge pack of elemental skeleton melees and archers in Pyramids with a room full of Diamond Shrines and a Massive, Regen, Allies Cannot Die rare? It's incredible, and the experience by far surpasses anything I've encountered in any other game).

On the other hand, when poorly executed, or not-fully-realized RNG is present (the list is long and well known), it can utterly compromise everything that is good about the well-implemented RNG.

3) I am quite the opposite. I used to have a balanced appreciation for single and multi player games alike, but lately, when I load up TQ or the sort, I find myself missing guild chat and the sense of community when a good item drops. Not having people to celebrate with, somehow, devalues the experience. I blame Charan for this. Ass.

But that's not what you were talking about. Having the carpet pulled out from under your feet just as you're about to finally step off, is definitely a bad feeling. It's a bad feeling I think many people miss out on, but as a player who was also limited to a few hours per week, it happened all the time. Actually, every time I tried to commit to a long term goal. That's the "moving target" for you, although really, it's more like an avalanche while skiing down shit mountain when GGG does it (because their moving target has tourettes).

Again, on the other hand, once I stopped committing myself to long term goals as presented by the game, I did develop an appreciation for the ever shifting meta as a device which provides endless theory crafting potential. It's just a shame most of my theory crafts could never be realized because the meta was too unstable (for me), but.. that's the "moving target" for you.

4) I have little experience with console games, and no experience with DA:I. However, I suspect this has absolutely everything to do with point 2), and GGG not yet fully realizing the potential for RNG in itemization and mapping. I was very disappointed when I read that they were adding a new tier of affix, expanding vertically instead of horizontally. For all its potential, I think PoE's magic and rare itemization falls the shortest.

I think, by your description, the biggest thing when people compare PoE to another game, is that other games reward you for participation, whereas PoE rewards you for commitment. Different strokes for different folks, and all, but I absolutely do agree that PoE can improve here. The grind is paramount to what PoE is, but PoE also fails to deliver enough variety in its rewards (RNG) that you regularly feel rewarded for participating.

That's not to say PoE needs to swing the other way and reward you for participation alone (back to point 1--once you get the carrot, there is no longer a stick), but instead that... eh, it's like GGG has the biggest back yard of all the kids in the neighborhood, but instead of playing in all of it, they're solely focused on having the best swing set. Not even the best swing set, but the best sliding board attached to what could otherwise be a shoddy swing set. They have all of the tools to build the best back yard out there, but damn, are they proud of their sliding board.

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All in all, we are a different kind of gamer from each other, but I respect your opinion and can relate on some level or another. I just wanted to relate my experiences and opinions back to yours ^-^ I think this is really good feedback. Cheers! And welcome to Casualland, this is really where PoE is at its best ;)
~Pants