I'm just about through Act I with my first character in PoE, but I imagine that Diablo 3 will outshine in storyline and overall polish.

Gameplay, character development, overall diversity and innovation--pretty much all of the things that really matter in advancing the Diablo genre--are what will be the deciding factors, and PoE definitely has an unbelievably strong showing in each of these.

I'm really excited to see if Blizzard will be able to throw down the gauntlet and take the opportunity to evolve the genre even further. I have a feeling that the bar has been raised and other competing titles may need to be pushed back.

They give you guys extra keys you know the right course of action. Contest time :O!

I am now halfway through Act II and I've noticed that there's no collection aspect like with D2, TQ, and TL--i.e.,saving up socketables of various qualities to combine into better versions. That seems to be the only glaring legacy feature left out of PoE.

I'm working on a devilish contest in my head should said event come to pass:)
Itemization is not finished, in fact they specifically ask us not to speak about specific items since they are in such raw form.

I, for one, actually don't miss the "make an awesome gem out of shitty gems we give you" aspect, it's tedious and turns into an inventory management mini-game that is less than fun. As for runes/runewords, the latter was added much later in D2 and the good runes used to be so hard to get they pretty much didn't exist (effectively) for most players. I think PoE has plenty of time to add stuff like that in if they decide to go in that direction.

As for gear, it's plentiful and disposable, which is nice, I don't feel compelled to pick every piece of magic gear that drops up, only pieces that may aid me right then.

I don't miss it either. It takes way too much time, micro-management, and space. I think PoE has provided a better alternative to that mess. I don't think they'll be looking at going backward, IMO.

My character is level 36 and I still have to remind myself that I don't need to pick up certain items! Old habits die hard.

You guys stop teasing me and give me my beta key! :P

Was lucky enough to get a beta-key off a friend. After playing for a bit as the mage I can see why so many people like it. I'm not quite sold yet (get it, the game is free) but there is no question that this kicks the crap out of Diablo 3.

The entire game feels like a logical improvement of the formula that Diablo 2 established. A couple examples are active skills being tied to gems and potions recharging.

Like with the others in the thread if I get an extra beta-key I'll make some kind of giveaway thread.

I love how dark and gritty the visuals in this game are - it's as if the developers decided to pay homage to Diablo 1 when going for a graphical style.

That's why I'm interested into this game equally as Diablo 3. It seems like it's a good mix between Diablo 1 and 2.

I have it.. its amazing for a beta.

Barely played it though, I want to experience the game in its completed form when its released.

Doesn't stop me from playing a little bit every now and again though.

Play it anyway, just skip the story dialogs, there's barely any in there anyway, at this point. I think you're not seeing all the magic of the mechanics if you're still really low level.

Ya, I redownloaded it.. I think I am going to try and play through it again.

Anyone in the beta that could help me out? There is some sort of puzzle on the forums created by one of the members. Turned out he used data accessible only to current beta members so he's thinking of a new puzzle. But since the original is still up, I thought I could try and solve it and get a key for myself.
So if anyone could give me a temporarily access to their forum account that would be great :)

Hehe it's not that easy. I've been waiting for ages to get a key and still nothing...