On first glimpse, it's quite easy to mistake 'Path of Exile' to be a replica of Diablo II, but after a few minutes of playtime, it starts to unfold that the game stands on its own with a deep and diverse stat system (on the lines of Final Fantasy 10).

Skills are acquired upon insertion of gems into equipment, which are acquired on chance while slaying monsters or upon completion of quests as rewards. Skill gems are only matched to the sockets of their respective color. (Blue, Green and Red.)

The gems possess a unique twist, i.e. they level on their own as and when the player slays monsters. The classes, although seem different enough, begin to classify and converge as per the player's build. However, classes DO make a difference during the intial stages. Freedom, is the core mechanic of 'Path of Exile'.

'Path of Exile' also doesn't favor Pay-2-Win, and is completely Free-to-Play, no strings attached. The item store sells items, purely of cosmetic value, and extra inventory, which any player can do without if he or she chooses to.