Action or Spreadsheet

Relatively new POE player here.

Tried POE 1 back in the day, didn't stick not my cup of tea.

Came back for POE 2, played every mini league / update patch to date for POE 2.

Below are my thoughts succinctly.

1: I enjoy difficult games, especially souls likes. 1st playthrough in the story big get good moment at Geonor, big build check moment at Jamanra. Build check didn't feel as fun. Replaying feels like a gatekeep to the fun stuff.

2: Huge innovations in arpg game functionality. Love parry idea. Love weapon swap. Enjoy combo gameplay. Interaction points with mobs seem limited to POE1 gameplay loop expectations while Bosses are fun to interact with.

3: Action or Spreadsheet? I have been a lurker to the community wanting POE1 reskin or a top-down Souls Like. I stopped having fun in this game when I either one-shot everything or it one shots me.

4: Design flaw? Split Vision? Where are we going with POE2 because they way it is headed makes me think degen deadeye point and click adventure is the future. That's not fun to me, not engaging.

5: Build Variety. I played merc, warr, sorc, monk, amazon, I try to find off meta builds- things that are interesting or ridiculous that support class fantasy. Seems wide as an ocean but deep as a puddle - enemy and encounter design really just wants you to solve for damage number.

6: Mobility. I have never used a mobility skill in this game to avoid an enemy attack or reposition. I have only used them for dps and combo gameplay. Where is this going?

Thanks for reading. Hope the April patch brings me back. Otherwise it was fun while it lasted.