Even in GoG, AoE is king (if you can manage it). It's basically everywhere.
I agree it's a bit disheartening. It basically makes every area feel like the same place, just with different MOB graphics. Boring and largely brainless PvE. Ugh.
You know i started typing; "Even though I miss old times, I wouldn't go back the game is much more balanced now" and then nostalgic moments came to my mind and I deleted it and wrote this instead.
I miss Lineage 2. I miss my abyss walker with theca and dark screamer +3. I miss calling my class what it is and people would know my race.
Now I'm a Kamael Wynn Summoner, it's strong and all but I miss my old chars.
Because it's more efficient and time worth for party's hunt. It's the nuker's saga now, and a nuker party (tank/iss/2x healers/ 3x feohs) will rock everything below 90'ish and so.