With the advent of many successful free-to-play models for game revenue, the subscription based model has fallen into distaste for me. I was really hoping WildStar, another NCsoft game, would be the MMORPG for me, but a subscription model asked for more commitment to the game than I was willing to give. It's been awhile since I've truly experienced an MMORPG and the one barrier between them and I has finally fallen with the help of Guild Wars 2. Guild Wars 2 sports an immediately luring one time payment to full access to everything within the game; nothing is barred off due to some kind of premium membership.
Guild Wars 2 does offer a microtransaction system in the form of the Black Lion Trading Company. You can purchase gems, another form of in-game currency, with real world currency to exchange for various goods and services. There are various cosmetic effects and quality-of-life upgrades (extra bank space, more character slots, additional inventory space, boosters, etc.) available.
Guild Wars 2 does offer a microtransaction system in the form of the Black Lion Trading Company. You can purchase gems, another form of in-game currency, with real world currency to exchange for various goods and services. There are various cosmetic effects and quality-of-life upgrades (extra bank space, more character slots, additional inventory space, boosters, etc.) available.
there are some pretty disgusting armor dye combinations out there
Character creation options and skill are liberal with five races to choose from and eight professions to go along with it. The lack of a rigid class system really opens up the game for any kind of style you want and also lets you easily change your gameplay according to different scenarios and situations.
Skills are generally divided into two categories: weapon and profession tied skills. Players, depending on their profession, will gain the ability to switch between two weapon sets. Being able to pull of combos using skills from both sets is critical to maximizing the effectiveness of a build. Utilizing skill combinations in conjunction with trait abilities (that you can respecify at any time!) ultimately dictates how you play your character.
Guild Wars 2 challenges the traditional MMORPG notion of having a specific DPS/tank/healer divide by allowing the player to take on any of those roles at any time, effectively creating dynamic battles and a fun and rewarding way of exploring different gameplay mechanics without having to solidly lock in everything along the way.
Skills are generally divided into two categories: weapon and profession tied skills. Players, depending on their profession, will gain the ability to switch between two weapon sets. Being able to pull of combos using skills from both sets is critical to maximizing the effectiveness of a build. Utilizing skill combinations in conjunction with trait abilities (that you can respecify at any time!) ultimately dictates how you play your character.
Guild Wars 2 challenges the traditional MMORPG notion of having a specific DPS/tank/healer divide by allowing the player to take on any of those roles at any time, effectively creating dynamic battles and a fun and rewarding way of exploring different gameplay mechanics without having to solidly lock in everything along the way.
the game's concept art is amazing
The world of Tyria is rich and diverse. Some zones are absolutely astounding with breathtaking vistas and fantasy element while other areas can be dark and brooding with aesthetics and musical score to match.
Exploration is immensely rewarding with secrets and jumping puzzles dotting the landscape which yield great amounts of loot. Completion of a zone also yields furthered experience and item rewards. Zones are populated by vistas, points of interests, skill challenges, resource nodes, and quests in the form of "renown hearts." Guild Wars 2 prides itself in cutting out the backtracking portion of questing; as a matter of fact you don't even need to speak to the task giver to begin the sequence of events with some exceptions. Arriving at a renown heart zone triggers a pane on the left hand side with a description of tasks needed to complete. Simply complete those tasks and you are rewarded immediately afterwards.
There is a healthy variety of tasks and methods to complete them, but oftentimes the easiest way is to simply defeat a certain number of enemies and continue on with the exploration; while streamlined, the tasks are not free from a grind.
Exploration is immensely rewarding with secrets and jumping puzzles dotting the landscape which yield great amounts of loot. Completion of a zone also yields furthered experience and item rewards. Zones are populated by vistas, points of interests, skill challenges, resource nodes, and quests in the form of "renown hearts." Guild Wars 2 prides itself in cutting out the backtracking portion of questing; as a matter of fact you don't even need to speak to the task giver to begin the sequence of events with some exceptions. Arriving at a renown heart zone triggers a pane on the left hand side with a description of tasks needed to complete. Simply complete those tasks and you are rewarded immediately afterwards.
There is a healthy variety of tasks and methods to complete them, but oftentimes the easiest way is to simply defeat a certain number of enemies and continue on with the exploration; while streamlined, the tasks are not free from a grind.
voodoo space magic
One of the most important aspects in any MMORPG is the social interactions involved. Guild Wars 2 is set in a persistent world with main story quests being instanced for players and their parties. Dynamic world events can be triggered by players or spawn by themselves in the zone you are in. Nearby players will be notified and a group event organically unfolds.
Players don't have to fight over loot or experience; everyone gets their own instance of loot and experience. This loot sharing mechanic neutralizes hostility among groups and players who would otherwise vie for the same kills. Giant world bosses also spawn in certain areas in time intervals. These massive bosses call forth a great deal of players that will band together to take down the boss. New players and veterans alike can all contribute to take down the boss to claim some epic gear. These events are immediately social with multiple people teaming up to accomplish the same objective.
My most favorite aspect of Guild Wars 2 is the variety of tasks, goals, and diversions there are. Gunning for 100% map completion; hunting down the rarest equipment; destroying foes in PvP; enjoying minigames (they are actually a lot of fun and different from the core game experience); there is something for everyone. From time to time, you may come across a secret jumping puzzle or a minidungeon, all of which have their own theme and interesting twists on mechanics.
I have reached the highest level in Guild Wars 2 and have waddled around the late game some, but I have only scratched the tip of the iceberg. I still haven't experienced big World vs World battles where coalitions of guilds battle around siege weapons and strategic points; there is simply an awesome amount of content for you to explore and engage with.
I'm really happy to be able to return to NCsoft having played Tabula Rasa, Exteel, and, my favorite, Dungeon Runners. Guild Wars 2 was an absolutely ridiculous steal at the $10 sale that it went on, but let me assure you, the game is worth every dollar, every penny. The Guild Wars 2 universe and community are full of unforgettable characters and moments. Guild Wars 2 is a great title for MMORPG beginners and veterans alike.
An upcoming expansion for Guild Wars 2 has been announced! Check it out here!
Players don't have to fight over loot or experience; everyone gets their own instance of loot and experience. This loot sharing mechanic neutralizes hostility among groups and players who would otherwise vie for the same kills. Giant world bosses also spawn in certain areas in time intervals. These massive bosses call forth a great deal of players that will band together to take down the boss. New players and veterans alike can all contribute to take down the boss to claim some epic gear. These events are immediately social with multiple people teaming up to accomplish the same objective.
some vistas are so infuriating to reach
My most favorite aspect of Guild Wars 2 is the variety of tasks, goals, and diversions there are. Gunning for 100% map completion; hunting down the rarest equipment; destroying foes in PvP; enjoying minigames (they are actually a lot of fun and different from the core game experience); there is something for everyone. From time to time, you may come across a secret jumping puzzle or a minidungeon, all of which have their own theme and interesting twists on mechanics.
I have reached the highest level in Guild Wars 2 and have waddled around the late game some, but I have only scratched the tip of the iceberg. I still haven't experienced big World vs World battles where coalitions of guilds battle around siege weapons and strategic points; there is simply an awesome amount of content for you to explore and engage with.
I'm really happy to be able to return to NCsoft having played Tabula Rasa, Exteel, and, my favorite, Dungeon Runners. Guild Wars 2 was an absolutely ridiculous steal at the $10 sale that it went on, but let me assure you, the game is worth every dollar, every penny. The Guild Wars 2 universe and community are full of unforgettable characters and moments. Guild Wars 2 is a great title for MMORPG beginners and veterans alike.
An upcoming expansion for Guild Wars 2 has been announced! Check it out here!
