Post by John on May 20, 2010 17:54:56 GMT -5
Over the last month we've received a torrent of information from ArenaNet, which should be a sign they're starting to really get this game underway. I estimate that means we're probably 9-12 months out from the game's release, or Q1-Q2 2011.
From several interviews and multimedia presentations, we know they are making a very different game from Guild Wars, while at the same time, keeping the series well established in its roots. With GW1, they had a co-operative on-line RPG, but the only MMO experience was in towns. By not being an MMORPG, GW1 was actually able to present both a decent story filled with good (though not great) characters and tactical, mission-based gameplay.
GW2 is shaping up to be MMORPG 2.0. This time around, we have a true MMORPG in GW2, but remember, ANet doesn't like the current MMORPG - that's why they made Guild Wars! Imagine you're traveling on the road with a few companions. You arrive at the city gates to hear citizens in an uproar about an army of orcs rushing the rear gate. Instantly, you know you need to do something about this, or the city will suffer. You go into the tavern trying to enlist as many people to help as possible, and together you all rush to save the city from the impending orc attack. You drive back the orcs and find a lead as to where they came from, then head into town to prepare for your next move. Eventually, you hear about a patrol organizing at the guardhouse to go investigate. There are also still many wounded from the recent battle in town. You don't have time to tend to both, so you need to figure out where you're best needed...
In a nutshell, that's the new dynamic events system in GW2. No more ! marks over NPC heads. Now you will hear people talking about what is going on in the world and you will need to make a decision about it. Follow it, and the game goes in one direction. Ignore it, and the game turns another. Real life simulation in a fantasy world, isn't that what fantasy MMORPG should be?
I'm equally excited and skeptical about the potential of this game. At best, it will become MMORPG 2.0, and the new benchmark, making all other efforts obsolete. To actually exist in a living, breathing game world will be a milestone in gaming. However, what happens when everyone wants to play this game. Servers get overloaded, people act like idiots and destroy a game which will seemingly have a ton of freedom, or ANet doesn't end up being able to support this new system with regular, interesting content. It's a tremendous task that will either revolutionize gaming, or epic fail.
As far as specifics, we know there will be 5 races: the standard Human, the orc-like Charr, giant shapeshifting Norn, gnomish Asura, and elvish, plant-like Sylvari.
8 professions: 2 Soldiers (Warrior and unknown), 3 Adventurers (unknown stealth/hybrid classes) and 3 Scholars (Elementalist and 2 other casters). I'll detail these as they're released in a separate thread.
10 slot skill bar, though executed with more limitations. Fewer skills, and 5 reserved for weapon/shield, 3 general, 1 healing, and 1 elite. You'll receive some from your race and some from your profession, and we're told that weapon skills will be different between professions (a warrior will use a sword differently from a ranger).
Graphics seem to be an evolution from GW1, rather than a revolution, but GW1 didn't look all that bad either! The world will be a true 3D world though, with jumping, swimming and even underwater locales to explore. Audio is supposed to be revolutionary, however, with ANet bragging this to be the BEST sounding MMORPG of all time. I pointed out the use of voice earlier, but it sounds like the music, sounds and voices will all work to bring the game to life.
ANet, thus far, is pretty confident in what they've accomplished and developers are playing and enjoying the game regularly. We'll see what happens as the game starts to add a greater player count... Look for beta information in H2 2010!
From several interviews and multimedia presentations, we know they are making a very different game from Guild Wars, while at the same time, keeping the series well established in its roots. With GW1, they had a co-operative on-line RPG, but the only MMO experience was in towns. By not being an MMORPG, GW1 was actually able to present both a decent story filled with good (though not great) characters and tactical, mission-based gameplay.
GW2 is shaping up to be MMORPG 2.0. This time around, we have a true MMORPG in GW2, but remember, ANet doesn't like the current MMORPG - that's why they made Guild Wars! Imagine you're traveling on the road with a few companions. You arrive at the city gates to hear citizens in an uproar about an army of orcs rushing the rear gate. Instantly, you know you need to do something about this, or the city will suffer. You go into the tavern trying to enlist as many people to help as possible, and together you all rush to save the city from the impending orc attack. You drive back the orcs and find a lead as to where they came from, then head into town to prepare for your next move. Eventually, you hear about a patrol organizing at the guardhouse to go investigate. There are also still many wounded from the recent battle in town. You don't have time to tend to both, so you need to figure out where you're best needed...
In a nutshell, that's the new dynamic events system in GW2. No more ! marks over NPC heads. Now you will hear people talking about what is going on in the world and you will need to make a decision about it. Follow it, and the game goes in one direction. Ignore it, and the game turns another. Real life simulation in a fantasy world, isn't that what fantasy MMORPG should be?
I'm equally excited and skeptical about the potential of this game. At best, it will become MMORPG 2.0, and the new benchmark, making all other efforts obsolete. To actually exist in a living, breathing game world will be a milestone in gaming. However, what happens when everyone wants to play this game. Servers get overloaded, people act like idiots and destroy a game which will seemingly have a ton of freedom, or ANet doesn't end up being able to support this new system with regular, interesting content. It's a tremendous task that will either revolutionize gaming, or epic fail.
As far as specifics, we know there will be 5 races: the standard Human, the orc-like Charr, giant shapeshifting Norn, gnomish Asura, and elvish, plant-like Sylvari.
8 professions: 2 Soldiers (Warrior and unknown), 3 Adventurers (unknown stealth/hybrid classes) and 3 Scholars (Elementalist and 2 other casters). I'll detail these as they're released in a separate thread.
10 slot skill bar, though executed with more limitations. Fewer skills, and 5 reserved for weapon/shield, 3 general, 1 healing, and 1 elite. You'll receive some from your race and some from your profession, and we're told that weapon skills will be different between professions (a warrior will use a sword differently from a ranger).
Graphics seem to be an evolution from GW1, rather than a revolution, but GW1 didn't look all that bad either! The world will be a true 3D world though, with jumping, swimming and even underwater locales to explore. Audio is supposed to be revolutionary, however, with ANet bragging this to be the BEST sounding MMORPG of all time. I pointed out the use of voice earlier, but it sounds like the music, sounds and voices will all work to bring the game to life.
ANet, thus far, is pretty confident in what they've accomplished and developers are playing and enjoying the game regularly. We'll see what happens as the game starts to add a greater player count... Look for beta information in H2 2010!