I'm completely new to POE's community - I heard about and got the game only a few weeks ago, unfortunately never having heard of it before. I haven't read any feedback on it yet. I have to say, I really enjoy the Stronghold, though I agree that it can be fleshed out. It's kind of hilarious how upset some people are about it, going as far as attacking the gamedevs. I've never really seen what other RPGs did with strongholds (other than M&B ad Ultima Online, but that's different). But I really enjoyed the idea of having a home in a dilapidated stronghold, paying to have it restored and cleaning out a huge infested dungeon underneath it. Having there be a big dungeon under you home gives you an intriguing quest that you can come back to over and over throughout the first half of the game. It also gives you something to spend money on other than gear, which really adds some depth. I'm really glad the feature is there.. Sorry?
It does feel like it needs a bit more work though. I enjoy paying to have bits of the stronghold restored, but I feel that the restoration doesn't have enough impact on the world. The rest bonuses and prestige are nice, but even when fully restored, the Stronghold feels a little deserted. For example, there's no reason (afaik) to ever go to the library. Rest bonuses and prestige are nice, but it would be more rewarding if the stronghold gradually came alive with activity, npc's, animals..etc. Some restorations feel like they make no difference at all.
Having your stronghold attacked can be way more dramatic and interesting. Compared to the visceral fights in M&B, the 'manual resolve' of being attacked by bandits is not very interesting. I think maybe a text/ui-based minigame where you defend the fortress from an assault would be better. Having the player imagine a large battle, instead of a generic in-game battle.
There isn't any meaningful dialog (or much meaningful interaction) with the people who come to your stronghold. I expected to share stories, get quests, hire companions... but most characters that are set upon by brigands and end up in your keep provide no meaningful gameplay.
The value of having real estate in POE depends on how much resources the devs put into it. I don't see anything inherently wrong with it - I really enjoy it. I agree that more effort should've been put into the stronghold.. maybe the reason people are so butthurt is that it's a bit half baked. Still, I enjoy it. So I guess the feature has at least one, admittedly casual, fan.
