[Jira]

While it's not the entire game, through the betas people have had a good exposure to the systems and mechanics of the game. The ideas are there. The execution is there. All we have to wonder is if the game scales well and is consistent until end game. With the exception of this feature which we can't know until launch, I'm sure people have full right to say it is.

Right, and I think even if you set all of the gameplay systems and features aside from every MMO from LoTR-TERA, they've all failed to present a consistent production quality in every aspect of the game. This is something GW2 has already done and can be seen very easily. Every single aspect of the game was thought out and made in conjunction with each other. Nothing feels disjointed or that it doesn't belong and that spreads to the entire game, not just one or two aspects. That is the same thing Blizzard did with WoW all those many years ago. It just also helps that the features and gameplay systems are all well designed in WoW & GW2. Essentially both companies have put together a complete package, other developers reach 60-75% at best.

[Vinci]

Right, and I think even if you set all of the gameplay systems and features aside from every MMO from LoTR-TERA, they've all failed to present a consistent production quality in every aspect of the game. This is something GW2 has already done and can be seen very easily. Every single aspect of the game was thought out and made in conjunction with each other. Nothing feels disjointed or that it doesn't belong and that spreads to the entire game, not just one or two aspects. That is the same thing Blizzard did with WoW all those many years ago. It just also helps that the features and gameplay systems are all well designed in WoW & GW2. Essentially both companies have put together a complete package, other developers reach 60-75% at best.

Precisely. I've played lots of MMOs, been in lots of Betas. None have come close to this. It feels so ridiculously holistic in its design, so consistent across so many areas. Is everything perfect? Of course not. But for a game with this many systems and this many options... It's a stellar accomplishment.

[Jira]

Precisely. I've played lots of MMOs, been in lots of Betas. None have come close to this. It feels so ridiculously holistic in its design, so consistent across so many areas. Is everything perfect? Of course not. But for a game with this many systems and this many options... It's a stellar accomplishment.

As have I. I've played every major MMO release since 2003 and ones older than that as well as obscure ones many people have probably never heard of along with many betas. While many developers struggle to bring their base systems online and polish them, ANet blew through that barrier a long time ago and have since been adding features that other devs would only dream of being able to add at launch.

[RobbieH]

"Just hit 20 on HoM. Probably going to work on getting oppressor weapon next. I really need to work on modifying my hero's builds because I got destroyed trying to do a quest in War in Kryta." So it wasn't just me? Like, I had no problems H/Hing Prophecies and the Ebon Vanguard/Norn tracks in EotN but the Asuran shit is absolutely fucking me. Like getting absolutely crushed in explorable areas and this Shards of Orr dungeon. Some of the Hero builds mentioned on various build websites are too annoying to get because I'd have to go through a bunch of campaigns/missions to get the proper hero, I'm not even trying to play through a gazillion Factions/Nightfall missions when I just want to do War in Kryta/EotN.

I am at the same point, a lot of the build have Razah and on my guy I don't have him. I also have to get a lot of elites to just use most of the builds. I may try getting the skills that Shining just posted and see if that helps.

Which caster heroes have you unlocked?

Edit: And which profession are you running?

[Teknopathetic]

"Which caster heroes have you unlocked?"

Vekk, Gwen, Xandra, Olias, and 3 monks. Could probably get Master of Whispers pretty quickly.

I'm a necro.

[speedpop]

Are you implying you're into RP? There is a chosen RP server even though it has no RP specific rules.

Aye, and that server is where I will be guesting most of the time. But I'm already in an Oceanic guild and our server of choice is Sea of Sorrows.

Can't combine the best of both worlds.

[Smiley90]

oO, so I restarted my Launcher hoping for a simple update... instead it's re-downloading the whole client. Has this happened to anyone else? Or is the update with the extra zones just THAT big?

[Jack_AG]

oO, so I restarted my Launcher hoping for a simple update... instead it's re-downloading the whole client. Has this happened to anyone else? Or is the update with the extra zones just THAT big?

Depends when was the last time you checked. A few days ago there was a monumentally huge update with 10s of thousands of files.

[Ferrio]

While it's not the entire game, through the betas people have had a good exposure to the systems and mechanics of the game. The ideas are there. The execution is there. All we have to wonder is if the game scales well and is consistent until end game. With the exception of this feature which we can't know until launch, I'm sure people have full right to say it is.

And while I agree the game is great so far, I'm still reserved on it's holding it's promises. We don't know how end game PvE will pan out (if any), or how long endgame PvP will hold interest. We don't know how much the money shop will affect the game, and we haven't even seen many zones outside the early ones. Not to mention the peformance of the game still seems off as of last beta.

[Smiley90]

Depends when was the last time you checked. A few days ago there was a monumentally huge update with 10s of thousands of files.

... yeah that was probably it. Last time I checked was like 2 weeks ago.

[Izayoi]

There are no differences. Put together whatever combination you like.

No racial skills that mesh well with different classes or anything?

[HarryHengst]

No racial skills that mesh well with different classes or anything?

No, it all depends on what role you want to play, and you can build any class around that.

[putarorex]

I was watching some beta videos the other day and started really thinking about combo fields and finishers. I would occasionally trigger them when running DEs with others but didn't really try to set then up. How effective are they? Will they be critical for dungeons? It is an interesting mechanic I am looking forward to testing with the guild.

[Keasar]

Wow, finally got all the stuff needed for the Black Moa Chick, walked to the Sorrows Furnace area and then checked the guide and realised that there is a bunch of bothersome quests to do before I can fight the big bossie....great. Oh well, daddy wants that statue.

And my god was it annoying to set up the 7 Hero build, I am still missing two heroes (a mesmer and ritualist), but walking around the entire world, trying to find single bloody skills to equip was really annoying. Not to mention now that the guides talks about gear too.

[Vinci]

No racial skills that mesh well with different classes or anything?

Play what you like. Though there are racial skills, the point of this game is that you are able to play what you want to play - not what is optimal. So any advantage one race may have over another for one profession at launch would likely be rectified by ANET in time.

[Kos Luftar]

Wow, finally got all the stuff needed for the Black Moa Chick, walked to the Sorrows Furnace area and then checked the guide and realised that there is a bunch of bothersome quests to do before I can fight the big bossie....great. Oh well, daddy wants that statue. And my god was it annoying to set up the 7 Hero build, I am still missing two heroes (a mesmer and ritualist), but walking around the entire world, trying to find single bloody skills to equip was really annoying. Not to mention now that the guides talks about gear too.

If you wait till this afternoon, 3pm EST, I can run the quest with you, because I have finished Surrows Furnace so all I need to do is 1 quest to get to the Iron Forgeman. It takes me about 15 minutes to get to him.

When we get there you just have to stand under the pot that drops lava on us, and boom you got your little black moa chick.

[BrettWeir]

Just hit 20 on HoM. Probably going to work on getting oppressor weapon next. I really need to work on modifying my hero's builds because I got destroyed trying to do a quest in War in Kryta.

Which quest? I found that using 3 monks, Vekk, and Zhed using Fire for AoE worked for almost all the War in Kryta missions. I just finished it yesterday. The only exception was the last mission. I swapped up to 2 monks (1 prot, 1 heal), Vekk, Zhed, and Pyre Fierceshot. Micromanage the casters and Pyre for AoE on that last misison.

You're doing better than I am on HoM. I'm only at 17 points. Attempting Sorrow's Furnace now, then hopefully getting the Moa Chick.

I was under the impression that War in Kryta gave a HoM statue. I guess all you get from it is an Oppressor Weapon. Oh well. It didn't take to long to complete.

Wow, finally got all the stuff needed for the Black Moa Chick, walked to the Sorrows Furnace area and then checked the guide and realised that there is a bunch of bothersome quests to do before I can fight the big bossie....great. Oh well, daddy wants that statue. And my god was it annoying to set up the 7 Hero build, I am still missing two heroes (a mesmer and ritualist), but walking around the entire world, trying to find single bloody skills to equip was really annoying. Not to mention now that the guides talks about gear too.

Wait, what? Crap. Didn't know about the quests you're referring to. Do you mean the 4 quests inside?

[Retro]

Glad to see things didn't get too carried away overnight.

It's not kool-aid. Anyone that doesn't have his head up his ass should be able to see that GW2 is, even at this point, the best playing MMO since WoW. That shouldn't be a controversial statement.

It shouldn't be, but it is, and that's just the way fan loyalty works. This has already been annoying enough as is, we don't need to send up a flare for the Warcraft Fanboys to crash the thread and start spouting off comments like "Polymock rips off Mists" or "LOL, at least our game isn't pay 2 win".

[Vano]

No racial skills that mesh well with different classes or anything?

There are race skills that we can use only in PvE,

http://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Racial_skill

Some of them we will know what they are in the bwe3 ( asura and sylvari racials)

[Naeblish]

Woa, haven't followed this game (don't want to get hyped) but just saw a video where a boss drops a treasure chest bigger than the character, so awesome!

[Sethos]

So is there a Paladin character in this game, heavy armour, 2h / Sword and board and with healing / magical offensive abilities?

[Aeris130]

So is there a Paladin character in this game, heavy armour, 2h / Sword and board and with healing / magical offensive abilities?

http://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-gam...ions/guardian/

[BrettWeir]

Glad to see things didn't get too carried away overnight. It shouldn't be, but it is, and that's just the way fan loyalty works. This has already been annoying enough as is, we don't need to send up a flare for the Warcraft Fanboys to crash the thread and start spouting off comments like "Polymock rips off Mists" or "LOL, at least our game isn't pay 2 win".

This is one HUGE reason why I fully intend to be part of the GAF guild. Even though I know GAF guild history (they last a couple of weeks, then completely die) in MMO's, this one seems to be different. In three (four?) GW2 threads, the GAF GW2 community has remained civil. There has barely been any type of talk like above. If a fanboy has tried to crash the thread, start a debate/debacle, it has always been handled very well by the regulars within the threads.

I know, it's a long stretch Retro, but someone has to give credit for keeping the threads civil to you, Jira, mAXRPG, Quadrophenic, Shining Sunshine, Arken, Tekno, Chiablo, IPSU, kayos, Piecake, Ferny, ferrio, Vinci, Thanasis Deitus, Hawkian, etiolate, Grizz, Vano, and others I can't think off right off the bat this morning (sorry!).

[Hasardeur]

the Guardian is pretty much the definite paladin (including the lack of worthwhile offensive abilities!*)

all this server talk made me realize that my characters are going to get deleted and I can finally leave my crappy server (yay!). Looks like I'll join GAF on GoM after all. So, where do I sign up for the guild again?

*they might have fixed that by now

[BrettWeir]

the Guardian is pretty much the definite paladin (including the lack of worthwhile offensive abilities!*) all this server talk made me realize that my characters are going to get deleted and I can finally leave my crappy server (yay!). Looks like I'll join GAF on GoM after all. So, where do I sign up for the guild again? *they might have fixed that by now

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=467970

[Hasardeur]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=467970

much obliged

[Sethos]

http://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-gam...ions/guardian/

Awesome! Thanks

[Retro]

Woa, haven't followed this game (don't want to get hyped) but just saw a video where a boss drops a treasure chest bigger than the character, so awesome!

Yep, and that dragon? He's a little one.

This is one HUGE reason why I fully intend to be part of the GAF guild. Even though I know GAF guild history (they last a couple of weeks, then completely die) in MMO's, this one seems to be different. In three (four?) GW2 threads, the GAF GW2 community has remained civil. There has barely been any type of talk like above. If a fanboy has tried to crash the thread, start a debate/debacle, it has always been handled very well by the regulars within the threads.

I will admit to getting carried away a few times, especially on the Diablo 3 bashing (though I won't say I was wrong on the subject, it turned out to be very much as I expected). But yes, this thread has remained remarkably civil given how MMO threads usual go. Part of it has to do with the regular posters who are trying to be as inclusive and helpful as possible, but another part has to do with the truth behind Guild Wars 2; it really is a breath of fresh air in a genre full of Diku-clones. I think the steadily decreasing number of WoW subscribers, TORtanic, etc. all show that people are ready for something new to come along.

I know, it's a long stretch Retro, but someone has to give credit for keeping the threads civil to you, Jira, mAXRPG, Quadrophenic, Shining Sunshine, Arken, Tekno, Chiablo, IPSU, kayos, Piecake, Ferny, ferrio, Vinci, Thanasis Deitus, Hawkian, etiolate, Grizz, Vano, and others I can't think off right off the bat this morning (sorry!).

Oh dear god what have you done. If there's one thing I've learned having spent the majority of my adult life living vicariously though internet message boards, it's that you never never never post a "Reg List". Everyone who isn't on it demands to know why and the thread dissolves into anarchy. Quick, we need a distraction... something like... a big event this weekend that everyone will want to be a part of. Get back to me ASAP if you know of anything like that going on soon.

the Guardian is pretty much the definite paladin (including the lack of worthwhile offensive abilities!)

I hope they've fixed their offensive capability a little. They're fantastic in WvW at holding positions, but their offensive capabilities leave a lot to be desired, especially at ranged. Guess we'll find out in a couple days.

[BrettWeir]

much obliged

You bet.

So....Anyone buying gems in BWE3? I have to admit, I'm pretty reserved about it. Not really a fan of the possibility of the gems not showing up on release due to some sort of bug.

Sorry, glass is half empty today.

Oh dear god what have you done. If there's one thing I've learned having spent the majority of my adult life living vicariously though internet message boards, it's that you never never never post a "Reg List". Everyone who isn't on it demands to know why and the thread dissolves into anarchy. Quick, we need a distraction... something like... a big event this weekend that everyone will want to be a part of. Get back to me ASAP if you know of anything like that going on soon.

It's a conspiracy! Shhhhh!

[gatti-man]

Glad to see things didn't get too carried away overnight. It shouldn't be, but it is, and that's just the way fan loyalty works. This has already been annoying enough as is, we don't need to send up a flare for the Warcraft Fanboys to crash the thread and start spouting off comments like "Polymock rips off Mists" or "LOL, at least our game isn't pay 2 win".

I tried to ignore this game bc of guild wars 1. I think many people may type cast it and ignore it the same way at first. If its as good as you all say then the reviews will roll in and the public will fall in line.

Between you guys and my pvp buddies I literally am beyond hyped to try it out for myself.

Edit: speaking of trying it out what is the best pure dps build so far? I know you can change ability sets.

[Vinci]

I hope they've fixed their offensive capability a little. They're fantastic in WvW at holding positions, but their offensive capabilities leave a lot to be desired, especially at ranged. Guess we'll find out in a couple days.

There's a Guardian conditions build that I have seen in several vids that is pretty damn tough - ie. really hard to put down with above average damage output. He could take on two people and eventually put them down. Not a ton of ranged options but it has some. Once I go home for lunch, I'll hunt it up and post a link to it so you can look it over. It's not a burst damage build but it does consistent, hard damage - which is really all it needs given its survivability.

EDIT @ gatti-man: If the devs are to be believed, there is an elementalist build that is a "monster," that they mention few have actually built in its entirety but that they know exists.

In my experience, I would say that the Warrior is the strongest DPS class overall, at least in PVP. Though I'm expecting some quiet nerfs to be applied 'cause people were running in particular one build a lot.

[kayos90]

Anarchy....

[BrettWeir]

There's a Guardian conditions build that I have seen in several vids that is pretty damn tough - ie. really hard to put down with above average damage output. He could take on two people and eventually put them down. Not a ton of ranged options but it has some. Once I go home for lunch, I'll hunt it up and post a link to it so you can look it over. It's not a burst damage build but it does consistent, hard damage - which is really all it needs given its survivability.

Aren't there quite a few Guardian changes coming in this BWE? I know scepter has been mentioned and issues with ranged abilities. I'm very curious to see what they did with Guardian and Engineer. At least I've seen some of the Engineer updates.

Speaking of Engineer....I had very high hopes for an Asura Engineer, but after watching some video, I have to say that I think the pack on the back of an Asura looks really out of place. /please don't kill me!

[Piecake]

I tried to ignore this game bc of guild wars 1. I think many people may type cast it and ignore it the same way at first. If its as good as you all say then the reviews will roll in and the public will fall in line. Between you guys and my pvp buddies I literally am beyond hyped to try it out for myself. Edit: speaking of trying it out what is the best pure dps build so far? I know you can change ability sets.

class traits and abilities are going to go through a change for this BWE, so its rather pointless to theorycraft builds right now because those builds will become obsolete once we get into the BWE

[Retro]

I tried to ignore this game bc of guild wars 1. I think many people may type cast it and ignore it the same way at first. If its as good as you all say then the reviews will roll in and the public will fall in line.

Impressions from the Beta events have been extremely positive and the game is looking to be quite popular already. That said, a lot of people tend to wait a few months on any MMO because their launches are inevitably a clusterfuck. I'm sure GW2 will have a few rough patches at first, but so far the game has run amazingly well. The only rough spot was some lag in BWE1 and that was fixed in 30 minutes.

[QUOTE=gatti-man;39997363]Warriors were pretty crazy in terms of damage last BWE, but I'd bet gems they've been nerfed a bit. Elementalist is also pretty powerful, but again, that may have changed.

Try not to focus on the numbers running the game, but think instead on which play styles best suit your preferences. Because the playing field is leveled (especially in sPVP) you'll find that any profession, in the right hands, can be just as deadly as any other. It's more about the player behind the character rather than a character sheet.

There's a Guardian conditions build that I have seen in several vids that is pretty damn tough - ie. really hard to put down with above average damage output. He could take on two people and eventually put them down. Not a ton of ranged options but it has some. Once I go home for lunch, I'll hunt it up and post a link to it so you can look it over. It's not a burst damage build but it does consistent, hard damage - which is really all it needs given its survivability.

Yeah, and with the change to Might, condition builds are going to get even better. And really, I'm perfectly okay with Guardians being a condition-heavy class. As you say, their survivability allows them to last through the fight while the other guy is worn down. My only concern is that a lack of burst is going to make finishing people off difficult, especially if they have help. I would like to see them get a little more burst, but we'll just have to see.

They definitely need more ranged though.

Anarchy....

Shush, before I dub thee Sir Kayos Scrappy, Duke of November!

Speaking of Engineer....I had very high hopes for an Asura Engineer, but after watching some video, I have to say that I think the pack on the back of an Asura looks really out of place. /please don't kill me!

I'm not a big fan of it on Charr either. I went with the Monocle thing, it looks quite badass on a Charr. Goggles might be kinda cool for the Asura.

[kayos90]

Shush, before I dub thee Sir Kayos Scrappy, Duke of November!

Arf Arf!

[_machine]

I've still got some stuff for HoM if anyone needs, including these minis and other stuff:
-Juggernaut
-Hydra
-8x Destroyer Core
-2x Honeycombs
-Some candies, passage scrolls and buff items.

Everything is free, just pm me and I'll give 'em. I can also help with the black moa chick; farm some of the ingredients or run Sorrow's hatching. Everlasting Gwen Tonic for sale 18e.

[BattleMonkey]

Anyone know how good the wolf summon thing is going to be from the digital deluxe? After being burned on pretty much every digital deluxe edition of games in recent years, nothing sounds all that useful outside of the golem banker. Not seeing it being worth $20 more while a bunch of one use items is pretty worthless. The only other thing that might be nice is the wolf.

[Vinci]

Yes. Obviously any comments I have made about classes and builds are subject to change.

[Firestorm]

Is there gonna be any way for players to try the game before buying on release day without pre-purchasing?

[Vinci]

Is there gonna be any way for players to try the game before buying on release day without pre-purchasing?

Beta key handout for this Friday.

[kayos90]

Is there gonna be any way for players to try the game before buying on release day without pre-purchasing?

Winning a beta key from somewhere.

[darkwing]

Anyone know how good the wolf summon thing is going to be from the digital deluxe? After being burned on pretty much every digital deluxe edition of games in recent years, nothing sounds all that useful outside of the golem banker. Not seeing it being worth $20 more while a bunch of one use items is pretty worthless. The only other thing that might be nice is the wolf.

I'd rather spend the $20 on gems

[Hasardeur]

Is there gonna be any way for players to try the game before buying on release day without pre-purchasing?

I think pre-orders will give you access to the BWE as well now and you chancel them at any time

[BrettWeir]

I've still got some stuff for HoM if anyone needs, including these minis and other stuff: -Juggernaut -Hydra -8x Destroyer Core -2x Honeycombs -Some candies, passage scrolls and buff items. Everything is free, just pm me and I'll give 'em. I can also help with the black moa chick; farm some of the ingredients or run Sorrow's hatching. Everlasting Gwen Tonic for sale 18e.

I could use the Juggernaut, Hydra and Destroyer Cores. I don't want to be greedy though, so whatever you are willing to give would be greatly appreciated!

I'm in game now, Wranger Love.

[HarryHengst]

Anyone know how good the wolf summon thing is going to be from the digital deluxe? After being burned on pretty much every digital deluxe edition of games in recent years, nothing sounds all that useful outside of the golem banker. Not seeing it being worth $20 more while a bunch of one use items is pretty worthless. The only other thing that might be nice is the wolf.

Spend the $20 on other games or micropayments for GW2 or something else entirely.

[Retro]

Arf Arf!

Such impertinence will not be tolerated. Let us make that Sir Kayos Scrappy Doo, Marmaduke of November, then.

Anyone know how good the wolf summon thing is going to be from the digital deluxe? After being burned on pretty much every digital deluxe edition of games in recent years, nothing sounds all that useful outside of the golem banker. Not seeing it being worth $20 more while a bunch of one use items is pretty worthless. The only other thing that might be nice is the wolf.

Other than looking cool, the wolf isn't going to be more powerful as that would conflict with ArenaNet's stated goal of keeping pay-only items from affecting gameplay. I would expect it to be a carbon copy of another Elite skill (probably a racial) so that there is something comparable that all players can access.

As for the rest of the Collector's Edition, it really depends on how much use you'll get out of a Soundtrack Sampler (I already bought the Soundtrack), a "Making of" hardcover book (which looks gorgeous, by the way, and is more than just art from the look of things), some prints and a custom frame and, of course, a giant statue of Rytlock.

I went back and forth trying to decide if it was worth it. Finally, my wife and Arken convinced me to spring for the CE because I knew as a huge fan of the game, I'd probably regret it later.

I'd rather spend the $20 on gems

Or... spend a shitload of money and get both... and snuggle your Rytlock statue during power naps between gaming sessions and/or while getting your IV line changed (because who has time to eat and drink, honestly?)

[BattleMonkey]

I'd rather spend the $20 on gems

Thats what I figure, just going to get base game then.

[BrettWeir]

Anyone know how good the wolf summon thing is going to be from the digital deluxe? After being burned on pretty much every digital deluxe edition of games in recent years, nothing sounds all that useful outside of the golem banker. Not seeing it being worth $20 more while a bunch of one use items is pretty worthless. The only other thing that might be nice is the wolf.

I'd rather spend the $20 on gems

Spend the $20 on other games or micropayments for GW2 or something else entirely.

What they said. Unless....

Such impertinence will not be tolerated. Let us make that Sir Kayos Scrappy Doo, Marmaduke of November, then. Other than looking cool, the wolf isn't going to be more powerful as that would conflict with ArenaNet's stated goal of keeping pay-only items from affecting gameplay. I would expect it to be a carbon copy of another Elite skill (probably a racial) so that there is something comparable that all players can access. As for the rest of the Collector's Edition, it really depends on how much use you'll get out of a Soundtrack Sampler (I already bought the Soundtrack), a "Making of" hardcover book (which looks gorgeous, by the way, and is more than just art from the look of things), some prints and a custom frame and, of course, a giant statue of Rytlock. I went back and forth trying to decide if it was worth it. Finally, my wife and Arken convinced me to spring for the CE because I knew as a huge fan of the game, I'd probably regret it later. Or... spend a shitload of money and get both... and snuggle your Rytlock statue during power naps between gaming sessions and/or while getting your IV line changed (because who has time to eat and drink, honestly?)

You're like Retro!

[Vinci]

Saw a page from the art book that reveals something about Zhaitan. After seeing it, I was really pissed. Such a spoiler. Now I won't be as impressed when I see him.

The weird thing is, I think ANET put the image on the web in the first place... *sigh*