[astrodust]

For whatever reason, the Diablo 2 experience seemed much more enjoyable in comparison. It was possible, with simple determination, to grind your way from the beginning to the very pinnacle by slow, incremental progress. If you kept pushing, you could keep going.

Diablo 3 seems to have an entirely different curve where progress diminishes to near uselessness until you get a lucky loot drop and you can finally make headway again.

In Diablo 2 there was always a "sweet spot" where you could earn maximum experience and you never seemed to be so woefully under-equipped. A surprising drop would mean a big boost in performance for the next few levels, always a treat, but if you didn't get one you could still do okay.

In Diablo 3 the theoretical sweet spot is always way ahead of what your gear can handle and you're left struggling, out of your league, or coasting in a less difficult area with near zero experience awarded.

It's just not tuned right, unless of course the idea is to drive people to the Auction House.