I have noticed a huge amount of AoEs and AoE effects with items and spells, even ones that would normally just target one creature like the cantrip Firebolt now does. In a game like Divinity Original Sin 2 it worked because the game was built around it, but this game isn't supposed to be like Divinity Original Sin.
AoEs themselves are fine but I normally don't expect to see them till a bit later on in levels in normal D&D games. Early on in D&D content it's mostly single targets and very rarely the occasional first level spell use for an AoE or oil flask/alchemist's fire. But every enemy I have seen in this game has had some way to do an AoE attack, even the martial enemies. As a side note, I love the addition of cleave for melee. It's a good attack for melee characters that gives them a bit of versatility besides just bonking a guy over and over when getting attacked by multiple goofs.
The main problem I think is in the AoE effects created after the initial AoE damage from spells and items. Just like in DOS 1 and 2 most of the AoE spells and items leave a ground effect, which again would be fine in a Divinity game, but not a game like this. Certain things like the change to Acid Splash I like because the AoE radius sort of links with how the spell normally functions (much needed buff honestly), but it REALLY shouldn't leave a permanent pool of acid on the ground afterwards. Also please don't get me wrong, I love creative use of items or spells to make AoE ground effects! It would be awesome if someone did something like casting the spell Grease followed by a Mage Hand chucking a candle to make a firey area, or maybe casting Create Water on a group of enemies then shooting the water with an ice spell to create ice everywhere for enemies to trip on. But if I can cast something like Fireball or Ice Knife later on, deal damage to enemies in an AoE all while leaving fire or ice on the ground where my AoE took place then why would I bother trying to be creative with my other spells? At that point I feel it's a waste of time.
Please note: I do not own the game myself (money issues) but I am currently watching my friend play and will be getting the game in about a week. I have played both D&D and DoS2 for very long amounts of time so I should still have an opinion on things at the moment.
