Did you get into the Diablo III beta only to find yourself disappointed with the changes Blizzard is making? Then stop everything you're doing and try out Path of Exile during their public beta weekend. (Which is happening RIGHT NOW.)

I just put two and a half hours into a witch character, making it to level 10 and nearing the end of the first act. (I think the public beta allows you to play the first two acts and then it restarts on a higher difficulty.)

So far I'm really impressed. The game looks and feels VERY close to Diablo II, but with updated graphic effects, and plenty of neat gameplay tweaks. Playing this game actually gave me a very strong nostalgic feeling, it's that similar. (The control configuration is even familiar, to the degree where if you just pretend you're playing Diablo II you'll know what buttons to use.)

Here are a few of the unique gameplay elements that make Path of Exile different from other Diablo-style games:

• There's no gold. Gear is exchanged for one use items or "pieces" of such items.
• Leveling up earns you skill points that can be put into a giant grid like in Final Fantasy X.
• Spells and skills are acquired by putting gems into equipment sockets.
• There are single use items that allow you to take back a spent skill point.
• You don't buy healing potions, but you equip vials that refill automatically.

Now get to playing so we can team up before the free weekend is over!

[ Path of Exile ]

Made it to act 2 tonight!

Path of Exile is free to play again this weekend, and now features the Shadow class.