[ShaneB]

I feel the same way... I get a harsh Chrono Cross vibe when I see Lions Arch which is an amazing thing, my all time favorite game.

Shit this sounds awesome.

[Smiley90]

Have you read my thread? http://www.mmo-champion.com/threads/...tiated-READ-ME!

I... I... I think I love you.

Also, hey ShaneB, nice to see you over here too. ;)

[ShaneB]

I... I... I think I love you. Also, hey ShaneB, nice to see you over here too. ;)

:p I don't know as much as the regulars in this thread like Jira who seems to know all. Some of these folks have been waiting so long for GW2, but I've been hooked since I first started reading about everything GW2 is doing differently. Can't wait for it!

The hockey playoffs are keeping me busy for the time being :)

[Smiley90]

:p I don't know as much as the regulars in this thread, as some of these folks have been waiting so long for GW2, but I've been hooked since I first started reading about everything GW2 is doing differently. Can't wait for it! The hockey playoffs are keeping me busy for the time being :)

I got hooked yesterday finally, after I've watched some of the class-videos online... (see my first post in this thread right above :P )

After Canucks get eliminated in... like 2h, I dunno what to do. -.-

[Retro]

Alright guys, I'm giving into The hype. What are some must-watch videos I just HAVE to watch to further hype myself?

This has always done the trick for me; ArenaNet's MMO Manifesto

Chills. Every time. It's like someone was listening to me bitch endlessly in WoW Guild chat about how terrible MMO gameplay is.

Edit: God damn it though, that obnoxious Mintchip chick is a featured video. So obnoxious, "lol, I am a girl and I play games, tee-hee". Everyone remember the deluge of neck-down videos of girls giving their impressions of GW2 during the Media Event? Heh.

I... I... I think I love you.

Unfortunately, Jira is incapable of love, since Jira is a cybernetic lifeform who exists only to disseminate GW2 information across the interwebs.

[ShaneB]

I got hooked yesterday finally, after I've watched some of the class-videos online... (see my first post in this thread right above :P ) After Canucks get eliminated in... like 2h, I dunno what to do. -.-

:p I don't really have a specific team to root for besides the Canadian teams, so I'm going crazy for the Sens right now and would be happy to see the Canucks pull some magic.

and there's always games to play! Diablo 3 for me in a month! yay. That'll be fun.

And like I said, read everything Jira posts, and Retro too! GW2 is going to be awesome! Prepurchase and get in the beta weekend with everyone next weekend!

[kayos90]

Great to see new people join in on this awesome game.

[Retro]

And like I said, read everything Jira posts, and Retro too!

Nobody has that much time to waste reading my mega-posts.

But while we're on the subject...we're planning to record the next GAF GW2 Podcast tomorrow, assuming everyone can make it. That's usually a good listen in terms of community building and getting to know the guys who will be the officers / GMs in-game. And we actually have some news to talk about this time.

I was just talking with Ferny about this, it might be cool to keep doing the Podcasts going after launch as a way to get news and info out to non-GAFers who are in the guild, or share anything funny / awesome that people have recorded or screencapped while playing.

[darkressurection]

Kinda a weird question, but is the pre-purchase through ArenaNet tax free (aka does it come out to exactly $59.99 when they charge it?) I ask because my budget for games is literally so tight that tax would prevent me from getting both this and Diablo 3 when it is out.

[Smiley90]

Nobody has that much time to waste reading my mega-posts. But while we're on the subject...we're planning to record the next GAF GW2 Podcast tomorrow, assuming everyone can make it. That's usually a good listen in terms of community building and getting to know the guys who will be the officers / GMs in-game. And we actually have some news to talk about this time. I was just talking with Ferny about this, it might be cool to keep doing the Podcasts going after launch as a way to get news and info out to non-GAFers who are in the guild, or share anything funny / awesome that people have recorded or screencapped while playing.

What mega-posts? Links? I just had my last final today, don't tell me I don't have time. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

[ShaneB]

Nobody has that much time to waste reading my mega-posts. But while we're on the subject...we're planning to record the next GAF GW2 Podcast tomorrow, assuming everyone can make it. That's usually a good listen in terms of community building and getting to know the guys who will be the officers / GMs in-game. And we actually have some news to talk about this time. I was just talking with Ferny about this, it might be cool to keep doing the Podcasts going after launch as a way to get news and info out to non-GAFers who are in the guild, or share anything funny / awesome that people have recorded or screencapped while playing.

I need to listen to the second episode :( Was caught up with whatever when you guys did it, and just never listened. It's a cool idea to keep doing the podcasts after launch as well, it's basically a way to keep in touch with the guild while not having to feel like you need to be around all the time.

Kinda a weird question, but is the pre-purchase through ArenaNet tax free (aka does it come out to exactly $59.99 when they charge it?) I ask because my budget for games is literally so tight that tax would prevent me from getting both this and Diablo 3 when it is out.

Why not just buy from Greenmangaming with the 10% off promo? Tax free as well which is your concern, so I paid 54$.

[darkressurection]

I need to listen to the second episode :( Was caught up with whatever when you guys did it, and just never listened. It's a cool idea to keep doing the podcasts after launch as well, it's basically a way to keep in touch with the guild while not having to feel like you need to be around all the time. Why not just buy from Greenmangaming with the 10% off promo? Tax free as well which is your concern, so I paid 54$.

How long is the GMG promo running? I get money tomorrow, so if I can do it that way it would be great.

[ShaneB]

How long is the GMG promo running? I get money tomorrow, so if I can do it that way it would be great.

I have no idea. It's still 10% off right now, and it would be weird to end a sale on a random thursday I guess, so you should be fine :p

[SUPARSTARX]

Beta guaranteed for pre purchase?

[darkressurection]

I have no idea. It's still 10% off right now, and it would be weird to end a sale on a random thursday I guess, so you should be fine :p

Let's hope, I have been lurking this thread for a few days now and have watched a few recent videos and I am now pretty excited for the game and hearing that the BWE is next week was pretty much the last thing I needed to hear before I pre-purchased.

[inky]

GMG version not available for me, and I have some credit too =/ Bummer.

[Retro]

What mega-posts? Links? I just had my last final today, don't tell me I don't have time. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

Heh, I just have a habit of replying to lots of different posts all at once. So I might actually have like 10 different replies in a single post. For example, this reply is responding to three people.

I need to listen to the second episode :( Was caught up with whatever when you guys did it, and just never listened. It's a cool idea to keep doing the podcasts after launch as well, it's basically a way to keep in touch with the guild while not having to feel like you need to be around all the time.

Yeah, the way I envisioned it is as a "This week in GAFGuild" review, where the officers and GMs get on and just rap about whatever's going on; "We captured a fort in WvW and had an epic battle" or "We need more tailors", etc.

My wife's old EQ guild used to have everyone submit screenshots of funny comments and such from guild chat and post them in large collections. I fully intend to carry that practice over to GW2 and we can use the podcasts to just randomly slip them in there during the discussion / between breaks for fun.

Beta guaranteed for pre purchase?

Yes. If you pre-purchase (pay in full, not just pre-order), you get a code in your e-mail (or on your receipt if you bought it retail) that you register at their site. You will then have access to all Beta Events (not including press-exclusive tests or stress tests, of course), the 3 day headstart, etc.

[Arksy]

Hoping Sylvari and Asura will be available.

[kayos90]

Hoping Sylvari and Asura will be available.

If only....

[Retro]

Hoping Sylvari and Asura will be available.

I'm hoping they will be, but I doubt it. For them to run the first big Beta without two of the playable races would seem a little odd... but then again, it IS ArenaNet, and they do things their own way. That's honestly a good thing, just... not if you had hopes of playing the Sylvari and Asura next weekend.

[Complistic]

Sylvari are so cool. I don't like the asura right now but I have a feeling they'll grow on me. quite a bit. They're the only race I don't plan on playing right away.

[Retro]

Sylvari are so cool. I don't like the asura right now but I have a feeling they'll grow on me. quite a bit. They're the only race I don't plan on playing right away.

Yeah, there was an informal poll on Reddit a few pages ago and Asura were at the bottom of the list. For some people, this is a good thing, as it means their race of choice will stand out amongst the sea of humans.

Surprised the Charr aren't more popular, I figured the "Feral-looking" race would draw a lot of younger males (read: Punk kids). Perhaps that's a good sign that the WoWheads will stay with their Furries and Green Hunchbacks.

[kayos90]

I'm hoping they will be, but I doubt it. For them to run the first big Beta without two of the playable races would seem a little odd... but then again, it IS ArenaNet, and they do things their own way. That's honestly a good thing, just... not if you had hopes of playing the Sylvari and Asura next weekend.

And everyone was so adamant about the beta starting with all races. Oh boy. Rofl. PROVE ME WRONG!!!

[Retro]

And everyone was so adamant about the beta starting with all races. Oh boy. Rofl. PROVE ME WRONG!!!

Here, or in seething pits of stupidity like the Guru forums or Reddit? Unless my memory is slipping (and it could be, now that I am advancing in years), people here are usually pretty mellow, hype notwithstanding.

[kayos90]

Here, or in seething pits of stupidity like the Guru forums or Reddit? Unless my memory is slipping (and it could be, now that I am advancing in years), people here are usually pretty mellow, hype notwithstanding.

They know who they are. Anyway, I just prepurchased! Yay!

[nataku]

Anyone else taking next Friday off work?

[Jira]

God you people who have only just now started paying attention have it so damn easy.

[GrizzNKev]

God you people who have only just now started paying attention have it so damn easy.

5 years of waiting that never happened. Must be nice.

[Pat]

I truly hope the beta will be available soon next friday, because I might be able to play it a bit if that's the case.

[kayos90]

God you people who have only just now started paying attention have it so damn easy.

Rofl, I know right? I've been waiting since before EotN.

[DJIzana]

5 years of waiting that never happened. Must be nice.

I'd do anything to have that happen for me with BOTH Guild Wars 2 & Final Fantasy Versus XIII right now... seriously. =(

[Arken2121]

It's especially tough if you're going for high HoM status. I do believe a higher appreciation for those waiting.

[Yaska]

It's especially tough if you're going for high HoM status. I do believe a higher appreciation for those waiting.

I should start working on getting my HoM status to atleast 30.... Also do the lead up quests to GW2 (If they're still available)

[Jira]

I should start working on getting my HoM status to atleast 30.... Also do the lead up quests to GW2 (If they're still available)

They are.

[Jira]

A survey asking what MMO are you coming from, if any.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3TLFXYM

Results

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s_thanky...6K%2f744B4k%3d

[Arksy]

I bought the first Guild Wars and all the expansions during the christmas sales last year. Question, how long would it take to get your HoM up to a decent level? (I guess i should first ask how long it takes to finish the 3 campaigns?)

[DJIzana]

A survey asking what MMO are you coming from, if any. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3TLFXYM Results http://www.surveymonkey.com/s_thanky...6K%2f744B4k%3d

I'm not sure what to make of that, good or bad. (In regards to how many WoW people there are, there's a lot of good, thoughtful people that play WoW but there's a lot of elitest jerks too.)

[Jira]

I bought the first Guild Wars and all the expansions during the christmas sales last year. Question, how long would it take to get your HoM up to a decent level? (I guess i should first ask how long it takes to finish the 3 campaigns?)

Well, 30 is how many most people aim for and beyond that starts getting crazy, takes as much time to go from 1-45 to go from 45-50. From longest to shortest the order is Prophecies/Nightfall/EoTN/Factions. In terms of time spent I've seen some people say they took 250 hours to get 30 points from scratch, though I'm not sure if they're a first time player with absolutely no skills/heroes unlocked. Here's a guide if you're interested:

http://www.reddit.com/r/GuildWars/co..._at_beginners/

If you ever need any help or have questions feel free to message me in game, name is Jira Lenarae.

[Vhalyar]

I'm not sure what to make of that, good or bad. (In regards to how many WoW people there are, there's a lot of good, thoughtful people that play WoW but there's a lot of elitest jerks too.)

And somehow GW2 won't have its (equal) share of elitist jerks?

[Arksy]

Well I started playing a bit of Guild Wars 1 and the community is the most helpful, mature and generous community I have ever seen in an MMO. So far through prophecies I've had numerous people give me platinum, a bunch of gold weapons and have run me from Old Ascalon to Lion's Reach, and showed me the basics of builds and books. People have so far been INCREDIBLY helpful. I would be sad if this commnutiy was utterly ruined by the troll crowd that makes up most of WoW's population.

[DJIzana]

And somehow GW2 won't have its (equal) share of elitist jerks?

Every community does, I'm aware of that. All good though, the more people that play the game, even if they are like that, the better. ;D

[Smiley90]

From Jira's long post:

So how does this affect the game? Every player gets an entire quarter in their race’s city that will change based on your choices in your story and is aesthetically unique to your race. The section of the city that you get is instanced to allow for your decisions in your story to be seen.

Does anyone mind explaining what exactly this means? I'm a bit confused. I assume this isn't some public space that becomes dedicated to you, but just a place where only you can go and that is seperated from the rest, like a "room" or "area" just for yourself? And not actually a part of the big city where you're just randomly walking around and then suddenly "oh this must be Smiley90's quarter"? Or what is it about?

Also, this:

It's also possible to use karma to impose a character's personality on the world for significant rewards. Karma is a non-tradable reward that you can obtain through doing Personal Story related content as well as completing Dynamic Events. You then use Karma to help develop your character’s Personality. Nearly everything that you can buy with Karma can also be bought with coin. Karma is also used to purchase gear such as weapons/armor as well as consumables such as Salvaging Kits for crafting and possibly food for stat buffs.

Is Karma what you buy with microtransactions? Because I don't like the idea of pay2win... :/And what is meant by "imposing the personality on the world"?

[Jira]

From Jira's long post: Does anyone mind explaining what exactly this means? I'm a bit confused. I assume this isn't some public space that becomes dedicated to you, but just a place where only you can go and that is seperated from the rest, like a "room" or "area" just for yourself? And not actually a part of the big city where you're just randomly walking around and then suddenly "oh this must be Smiley90's quarter"? Or what is it about? Is Karma what you buy with microtransactions? Because I don't like the idea of pay2win... :/And what is meant by "imposing the personality on the world"?

It's an entire quarter of say Divinity's Reach that is instanced for the invidiual player and houses your ongoing Personal Story.

See the Salma district? You can zone into that area and that's your own specific quarter of the city as a Human that is instanced and can bring other people into it if they're in your group. Other races have their own sections that match their race, the Asura have their own personal laboratory inside of Rata Sum.

As for Karma, it is a currency you earn in game through completing Dynamic Events. There is no pay 2 win, at all, every single thing you can buy in the gem store is cosmetic in nature or an account service. Things like more bank space, more character slots, costumes, name changes, a random pack of minipets, and so on.

To expand further, Karma can only be obtained through playing the game and cannot be traded in any way, you can only spend Karma at vendors who accept it.

Gems are a currency used in the microtransaction store that can be purchased via real money, or traded for in-game coin so you never actually have to spend real cash to buy a microtransaction. You pay with your time in real life or in game, it's up to you.

[Smiley90]

It's an entire quarter of say Divinity's Reach that is instanced for the invidiual player and houses your ongoing Personal Story. See the Salma district? You can zone into that area and that's your own specific quarter of the city as a Human that is instanced and can bring other people into it if they're in your group. Other races have their own sections that match their race, the Asura have their own personal laboratory inside of Rata Sum.

But that section of the city will be different for each player, yes? So, if say, player X walks in there he'll see Y, but if player A walks in there, he'll see B. Unless they walk in there together, then they can both together see either B or Y, depending on whose story mission they're doing? Also I edited the original post with more questions, sorry :D

[Jira]

But that section of the city will be different for each player, yes? So, if say, player X walks in there he'll see Y, but if player A walks in there, he'll see B. Unless they walk in there together, then they can both together see either B or Y, depending on whose story mission they're doing? Also I edited the original post with more questions, sorry :D

If player A walks into there they will see their own personal instance and player B will see their own. If they're grouped and you both went in, it will likely show the group leader's personal instance.


The personal instance isn't the only place in which your story takes place, there are times where you may need to go in there to progress, but your story takes place all over the world, starting at the tutorial and all the way past the level cap. If you and I are grouped doing my Personal Story in say the Norn starting zone, I go over to the starburst in front of say a cave and I go to start it, if you're grouped with me it'll ask you if you want to join and pull us into my personal story mission together. It will then scale the content for an appropriate challenge for the two of us and you will be rewarded for helping me do my story even if it has nothing to do with your own.

[Smiley90]

If player A walks into there they will see their own personal instance and player B will see their own. If they're grouped and you both went in, it will likely show the group leader's personal instance. The personal instance isn't the only place in which your story takes place, there are times where you may need to go in there to progress, but your story takes place all over the world, starting at the tutorial and all the way past the level cap. If you and I are grouped doing my Personal Story in say the Norn starting zone, I go over to the starburst in front of say a cave and I go to start it, if you're grouped with me it'll ask you if you want to join and pull us into my personal story mission together. It will then scale the content for an appropriate challenge for the two of us and you will be rewarded for helping me do my story even if it has nothing to do with your own.

Aaaaah that makes sense, I was just confused by the "you'll get your own district"! and it didn't make much sense to me with so many people playing. So, say, if I'm just by myself strolling around, I'll see other players everywhere else in the city, but in that quarter I'll only see NPC's, because it's my personal quarter? Or will it still be the same for everyone, it will just LOOK differently to everyone? (say, we're randomly standing next to each other but in my version the bar is called X and in his version the bar is called Y)?

[PewPewK]

run me from Old Ascalon to Lion's Reach

It's Lion's Arch. God, get your shit straight man you fucking free-2-play, casual noob.

;)

But in all seriousness, while the GW1 community is great right now, I'd venture to say that's because there aren't too terribly many people left playing it. When GW2 is released, I have a feeling you can expect a lot of ignorant, immature people out there we have come to expect from games like WoW.

You can already see many of them in the cesspools that are GW2 Guru or the GW2 Facebook feeds. Now, I have faith that the community in GW2 will turn out to be awesome in the long run, but I have a feeling launch will be riddled with pricks coming from other MMOs. That always seems to happen.

Does anyone mind explaining what exactly this means? I'm a bit confused. I assume this isn't some public space that becomes dedicated to you, but just a place where only you can go and that is seperated from the rest, like a "room" or "area" just for yourself? And not actually a part of the big city where you're just randomly walking around and then suddenly "oh this must be Smiley90's quarter"? Or what is it about?

Unfortunately, this is a bit blurry, but you can still read it:



The top right which is called the "Salma District (Home)" is the Home Instance for Humans. You're right in that this is not a public space. To get into your home instance, you go up to a portal/door and walk through it and it says "You're now entering your home district/personal story." or something to that effect.

Your personal story will affect your home district. You can invite others into your home district if you are in a group with them. You cannot go to anybody else's home instance at random times.

For an example of entering your home instance, go here.

Aaaaah that makes sense, I was just confused by the "you'll get your own district"! and it didn't make much sense to me with so many people playing. So, say, if I'm just by myself strolling around, I'll see other players everywhere else in the city, but in that quarter I'll only see NPC's, because it's my personal quarter? Or will it still be the same for everyone, it will just LOOK differently to everyone? (say, we're randomly standing next to each other but in my version the bar is called X and in his version the bar is called Y)?

As I said above, you can't see others in your personal instance unless you group with them and invite them in. As for the impact you have on your personal instance, an example they have given us is in your personal story, a fire will catch and an orphanage and hospital will be burning to the ground. You have to make the choice of whether you want to save the orphanage or the hospital. Whichever one you don't pick is permanently gone from your home instance, and you'll always be able to see its rubble left over from the fire. So when you start expanding this across your entire personal story, by the time you hit the end your home instance will be very different from everyone else's. It'll be unique and tailored to each individual decision you made along the way.

[Jira]

Aaaaah that makes sense, I was just confused by the "you'll get your own district"! and it didn't make much sense to me with so many people playing. So, say, if I'm just by myself strolling around, I'll see other players everywhere else in the city, but in that quarter I'll only see NPC's, because it's my personal quarter? Or will it still be the same for everyone, it will just LOOK differently to everyone? (say, we're randomly standing next to each other but in my version the bar is called X and in his version the bar is called Y)?

Outside of that instance it'll be a fully persistent city with tons of other players around. When you go into your personal instance, the choices you've made in your story are reflected visually within. NPCs may be there because you saved them or not because they died, buildings may have burnt down due to your descions, NPCs will remember you and speak of your past encounters and so on, it is your story afterall and you shape it right from character creation. There are very clear choices that you actively make during your story progression that have an immediate effect on the content you're experiencing and the changes to your own personal instance. The only way for two or more people to be inside of your instance is if you invite them, otherwise when you go into it it is yours and yours alone and you'll never see anyone elses unless they invite you.

[Smiley90]

Outside of that instance it'll be a fully persistent city with tons of other players around. When you go into your personal instance, the choices you've made in your story are reflected visually within. NPCs may be there because you saved them or not because they died, buildings may have burnt down due to your descions, NPCs will remember you and speak of your past encounters and so on, it is your story afterall and you shape it right from character creation. There are very clear choices that you actively make during your story progression that have an immediate effect on the content you're experiencing and the changes to your own personal instance. The only way for two or more people to be inside of your instance is if you invite them, otherwise when you go into it it is yours and yours alone and you'll never see anyone elses unless they invite you.

Alright, thanks a lot, that sounds awesome :) Like a "how's your home town like" feeling. One thing that's not really covered in the long article is gems/microtransactions. What are some of the things you can buy with it? What are gems? Can you buy this elusive "karma", (does anyone mind explaining that to me too, how it's different from just plain old gold or dungeon-tokens?) with it and then buy weapons/armor with that, or are the microtransactions purely cosmetic? I'm not a big fan of pay2win :P

[DJIzana]

Which district is the one that has all the Canthan type of housing?