Guild Wars 2

The massively multiplayer online (MMO) genre is in the midst of a transition in 2012, as is much of the game industry as a whole. Subscriptions are receiving fierce competition of more accessible free-to-play titles and one of the pioneers in this genre is the Guild Wars franchise. With Guild Wars 2, the aim is to change the dynamic once more. With a breathtaking, enormous world, vibrant and more lively than most of its peers out there, this roleplaying game goes above and beyond, while still retaining some closely related factors of the genre it redefines.

Tyria, the vast open world where any of the 5 races and 8 classes roam, is the first stopping point in this adventure. From its wide green meadows, ancient structures tickling the sky to caves and icy mountains to completely singular underwater realms; each one world exists within itself and adversely connects with the dozen of areas around it. There are distinct worlds for each race, though players are free to travel anywhere they’d like. The detail in creating an immersive atmosphere is partly accomplished by locales and their little burgs, cottages and other settlements scattered across plains. Each spec of land also receives its share of detailed care with greenery, trees, bridges and other local constructions.

Designs add an artistic layer to that with maps and cutscenes splashed with gritty brushes and rough edges, which spring to life to tell a story for the ages. The term stopping point is quite literal, as expanses often exude an air of amazement that makes exploration in itself a worthwhile pastime and Guild Wars 2 renews this feeling with its many areas. The game itself encourages players to feed into this trance by offering them scattered vistas that angle the camera over its most scenic parts. Yes, Guild Wars 2 is magical, even from a purely esthetic sense. Still, it seals the deal with its orchestrated pieces that quietly come in and thrust out to rouse players as they progress. Whether a character is just running through an enchanted forest laden with a veil of shadows or neck-deep in a gigantic free for all, there will be an accompanied soundtrack that adds even more excitement, which becomes near palpable at times. In no lesser extent is this voiced by the plethora of differing characters that fill the lore of this varied world.

There is however much more than meets the eye. In fact, Guild Wars 2 is so varied in its many facets that it would be hard to describe it all to a point. Depending on which combination of character one chooses, the experience might be completely different. Add to that the different crafting possibilities, buying skills that aren’t tied to tons of presets and many different weapon combinations and it’s easy to get a bit overwhelmed at first. Frankly, the game itself is a bit in over its head and fails to correctly explain itself when needed, but luckily its mechanics are so expertly produced that it will welcome players of any rate. Any character can choose a set of different weaponry, enhance their equipment or use skills to either power up their attacks or change to a different subset of attacks altogether. Guild Wars 2 tries to do away with classes and while the standard classes often outclass auxiliary means, there are better options for different situations. For instance, it’s easier to power through enemies while adventuring alone, but when a large encounter pops up it might be better to switch to a support range and stay out of trouble.

One of the game’s strongest assets is this popping up element, as quests are mostly set aside for dynamic events that organically appear in the world and shift from time to time. This gives a much more active sense to the online play style and encourages exploration and wandering off even more, which in turn absorbs players into its world for hours. A simple prompt appears and the map adds the event as players approach it. From there, it’s a simple choice of either joining, helping out or moving on. Though that tingle; that slight poke to go check it out is always present and that’s how a game should present itself. Simply by giving a slight suggestion, the desire to participate rises. While most events are fixed, some are completely randomly categorized world events. These are the pinnacle of this titillation. Any MMO watching should take notes as this active stance on gameplay should become the new standard.

It doesn’t even stop there. Guild Wars 2 isn’t content to simply innovate; it must also excel at its introduction. Events, combined with the different means to approach them, constantly vary from simple destruction to elaborate plans and disguises, discovery of new worlds and lore, eccentric requests and anything else that’s imaginable. While it has its share of standard quests, using that as an argument would be cutting off more than half of the other content, which wildly differs in range and refreshes the gameplay constantly. Guild Wars 2 is an everlasting refresher, rather than a rehash; the nuance between the two is monumental in its difference and vital to the end result. Even in the darkest of times, especially in later levels where repetition starts to sink in, there will be a point where this tedium is once more thrown off the table, as the game offers an entirely new world.

Aforementioned points synergize by bringing in the multiplayer factor. On one hand, Guild Wars 2 is the perfect midway for roleplaying purists deadest on a singleplayer experience. While other players are always around, rarely does it become a competition. Everyone has its importance in the world and even without specifying groups; merely popping into a battle with others feels like a hero’s helping hand and creates a bond known from bands of adventurers. Working together is crucial in the game, but no one party is ever in the advantage. Especially given level scaling, which brings down player levels according to their region, gameplay stays enticing no matter who is involved or where. More so, social actions such as helping and reviving characters are strongly encouraged and all places will have a few adventurers boosting each other to be the best they can be.

This underwater brawl was one of the most satisfying battles I've ever had.

On the other hand, the multiplayer facet is more than cosmetic; it’s an organic part of the world where adventures cross and mutual goals bring people together. Competition adds a World vs World element that is singleplayer friendly as well. Even with hundreds fighting each other in their dedicated worlds, there is room for the one person just trying to explore and help out wherever needed. Still, it’s the overwhelming aspect of huge battlefields with dozens of players going for each other’s throats and territories that make this gigantic brawl shine, beyond its revolutionary traits. Consider it like man to man combat, but now with a ton more people ready to help out. This makes the point control mechanic on which the maps rely an elaborate scheme of planning and calculated strikes, retreats and defense building; just like a real war.

If there is one thing to criticize from all this blazing glory, it would be that overwhelming aspect, which makes the game stumble over itself. Guild Wars 2 is terrible at explaining anything beyond basics to anyone not affiliated with its style. Especially in the intricate World vs World scheme, it misses a lot of key points to show players how to properly defend and advance and often enough battles will be too intense to stop for a tutorial from a friendly colleague. It continues this line of fleeting interest in any portion needing of a helping hand, whether it’s crafting, purchasing traits and skills and advanced techniques. For a game that changes so much and then alters other known dynamics, it should’ve had the courtesy to also try to illustrate its many workings to give anyone access to its full potential. Guilds and other outside sources can alleviate this, but it doesn’t excuse its omission. Luckily, there is more than plenty to enjoy without even the slightest of knowledge, though it could’ve helped bringing laymen up to speed.

MMO and everything it stands for will never be the same again, now that Guild Wars 2 radically shifted its entire dynamic. The focus that this brilliant universe puts on active gameplay is unparalleled in any of its peers and it adds to that a myriad of innovative changes and welcoming incentives that all urge the player in the right direction. Musing of this game could last a lifetime, but it should be a certainty that Guild Wars 2 is a game anyone and everyone will enjoy, even the most hardcore singleplayer.

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed. (@Daavpuke)