I had a look at Path of Exile and i'm really too sure what you're talking about. The art style is generic and bland, it's just another example of realistic visuals... because there's not enough of them. Diablo 3 has the most amazing art i've ever seen in a video game. The whole game looks like hand painted concept art. I don't think i'm a huge fan of the levelling system, but the game looks absolutely amazing.

I assume that you're bothered by the indipendant loot drop system, but i'm personally all for it, i'll tell you why.

If you are adventuring by yourself and you kill a monster, you get one lot of drops, that may seem obvious, but with the new system, if you are in a party of 3, you essentially get 3 lots of drops (providing that your party members are willing to trade and share). I'm not sure if i am entirely for this overload of loot, however, it really does act to keep the party adventuring together, as their chances of finding better gear multiply when they fight as a team.

Too often in diablo 2 people would run off in different directions to try and find that shiny gold treasure chest for themselves, and it defeated the point of playing co-op.

Just something to think about, altho i do miss that mad rush when you hear an amulet drop.