Curse

GanceTrandonson · Jul 09, 2005, 02:18 AM // 02:18

Alright, I’ve before I start let me say that I really do love this game; as with any love there comes a matter of those “cutesy things that get on your nerves” those flaws that eventually stand out like a festering wound on your lovers face. Guild Wars is a great game, you can tell that it is oozing with hours of blood sweat and tears, and it is this fact that makes certain glaring issues even that much more in need of that same tender loving care to remedy.

After playing Guild Wars through and through (on my third character to unlock all the skills) I’ve seen the good and the bad. There is plenty of good, however it is not about the good that I am posting. Below is my personal opinion of major issues that need addressing. Now, I’m not going to just whine and complain without offering any effort to a remedy, so with each problem I will present one of the many possible solutions that might be available. Without further ado I bring you...

***The Top Ten Serious Problems with Guild Wars***

10) ***Extremely limited travel: ***

Problem) Ok, let me get this one point across. The graphics and art work in Guild Wars is simply f***ing amazing. I bought the collectors edition simply for the art book. In game the graphics remain equally awe inspiring, which leads to a major gameplay flaw--- Why on EARTH are we so limited on where we can walk and what we can do?! It literally turns traveling across terrain into a simple game of “You can walk here, but you can’t walk here.” sometimes without any apparent reason. Without cause certain 15 degree slopes are unmanageable to climb, yet a 80 degree wall is able to be simply walked up with no effort? Why can we not walk and explore a little, maybe some sort of interactivity with the map. Sooo much of the graphics and world are wasted to be nothing more than a pretty picture. The pretty pictures are for the art book, the gameplay and functions of the pretty pictures are inside the game.

Solution) It is so highly embedded in the game it would be extremely difficult to fix this problem. However, at the very least reconsider these inappropriate limitations on movement, and let us EXPLORE more. A more reasonable solution to the current time frame is give us more “little things” to do in town. There are some GORGOUS towns to visit, but nothing at all to do in them separate from other towns. At least in towns, cut down our restrictions on movement, give us objects to interact with; items to use, mini-games to play, or any reason to interact with the environment and other players in the town. To expect a rehaul of the whole world is unreasonable, but at least look at the towns.

9) ***In-game trading:***

Problem) My god, I have never seen such a horrible in-game system for trading items and selling wares in any pseudo MMO to date. I’d mention Diablo 2 (which isn’t really an MMO but shares similarities to Guild Wars with this problem), but even there trade seemed to take place easily on chat channels and deals could be set up. We have 70 freaking billion districts, each with their own trade channel that scrolls by so fast no one is able to read it unless they spent 5 years learning to speed read. My storage is full of great stuff, but the idea of trying to find a way to even sell it puts me off.

Solution) There are a couple reasonable fixes to this problem. Official trade boards, unified in-game message boards. However, I think the best is to have two out-post towns specifically designed for player trading. These towns would contain a higher than regular player cap, and allow for some of the regular merchant and trading npcs. In these towns would be two specific features. Trade boards, where one could post if they are looking for certain items to buy or sell, and auction NPCs. For those who have played World of Warcraft, the auction system just works far too well and some sort of set up like this is desperately needed in Guild Wars. We need a place to sell and buy… desperately.

8) ***Armor and weapon designs.***

Problem) The armor suits look great; all 3 similar palettes of them that is! You can tell a lot of work was put in to give the designs a unique flavor, but we are FAR too limited by our selections. Weapons could use a little help in this area as well, but it is in armor that we are the most restricted.

Solution) Give us something more than just dyes! A few more new pieces of armor styles that we can mix and match, some type of items that we can use to customize our armor outfit further like medals, pads, jewelry, heck anything. Maybe these options could be won in PvP, or maybe special quests in roleplay. Give those annoying 500 exp quests a real reward such as a armor attachment for customizing your look.

7) ***1 Million skills, but you can use… 8!***

Problem) Ok, limiting the skill so you have to plan ahead is a good idea. However, limiting the number down to 8 is a bit too much. I know some of you may say that this number is just perfect, and I once thought that too. However, once you start getting those “complimentary” skills, the little ones that are extremely specific to circumstances that cannot be planned or expected, you start wondering why you are so limited. You pretty much are cut down to 7 slots technically, because unless you are a blithering idiot, you ALWAYS bring a resurrection signet, even if you are a monk for a full res. They are too valuable (almost too valuable).

Solution) 10 slots. You heard me, just 10. I’m not talking about a major increase, but just enough to allow a couple more options. Give us a use for that 9 and 0 key, they are just begging to be used. This increase would not be enough to unbalance the game, and would be just enough to give us more options and a better experience. 10, no more and no less.

6) ***Monsters… the 80th incarnation of the same version!***

Problem) I am so… f***ing sick of scorpions, or those damn mite like critters. Yes, they are nice… well actually, the monsters aren’t all that unique at all, they are just “drawn” well. However, after killing the same totally mindless monster, that follows the SAME brainless no AI attack charge pattern it gets boring. In fact, it gets boring in the first few play sessions. If you are going to have us killing and wandering THIS much, then don’t give us 90 types of bugs to kill.

Solution) More monster types. Heck doesn’t have to be that much just something to keep the bordom off. AI is in serious need of help as well. You could leave many monsters alone, such as the mindless critters, but other than the monk class enemies, they all play the same mindless way. Give SOME flare to things, maybe move around, give some attack pattern changes. We will take anything that gives us something to plan for instead of mindless plowing, and the only challenge being who to plow first.

5) ***Instances. What a waste!!!***

Problem) Instances, they allow you to party and explore your own world, free from empty battle grounds of newbies killing rats or rabbits. Yet, in Guild Wars, they are repeating land patterns with little to no variety. The key virtue of instances is to allow scripted sequences, a story to be told. Maybe planned monster ambushes and attacks. Special triggers that are set off. Despite the huge opportunity for this chance to be exploited, instances are wasted and become lonely waste lands filled with no AI monsters, with the occational cut scene that is skipped once you’ve seen it. Gameplay folks, you could have really had something. I mean, if anything you could have had a limited number per instance or something if you aren’t going to have anything else for us.

Solution) When I first saw the catapult part in one of the beginning missions, I had my hopes up. This sort of thing was what instances were for, unique content. Boy was I let down, as it ended up to be wave after wave later. The siege worms were something new at least 60 missions later. The best solution I can think of is to not make the same mistake twice, in the expansion, open things up a bit. USE the advantage of instances in the game that you have. Heck, maybe allow more than just one group in an instance. Give us scripted sequences and events that are worth caring about, any game can have cut scenes. Guild Wars isn’t an MMORPG, so exploit that opportunity.

4) ***Pets… SUCK.***

Problem) Why not just change the skill title to “Tame meat shield?” This is literally all they are for, you can’t even control their actions, and the second the die you lose your skills for a few seconds. Come on people!

Solution) We don’t need much to keep the game balanced. If they are going to be an attacking meat shield at least let us TELL them what to attack effectively. Create a small creature window that lets us tell them who to attack and if to return to their master, or freeze their location. Some sort of options to control it. And remove the skill timer reset when they die. Keep that for when you res the pet only.

3) ***Where the hell is 1 vs 1???***

Problem) This is a heavily oriented PvP game. Based on balance, and combat against players. How on EARTH does this game not have the option to duel or fight another player one on one?!?! I could have swore I even read somewhere on the box that this option existed. There are many times where I just want to show my skills alone, or take out an annoying little prick who thinks he’s so hot; yet we can’t have the chance of getting this satisfaction. This has nothing to do with game balance, we have so many options on skill choices available that there is nothing wrong with letting us duke it out. The argument that it was effect the game is absurd due to it being at heart focused on PvP.

Solution) One on one arena, complete with some type of token that you killed the player. Ears, toes, anything… one on one is about ego and PvP at its most core nature. Know a little prick who screwed up your group and thinks he’s hot stuff? Take him out to the ball game, take HIS balls. (Now that I think about it that isn’t a bad PvP award token… but it isn’t ever going to get in due to those f***ing ESRB restrictions). This game desperately needs one on one combat.

2) ***PvP content… where is it?***

Problem) So much effort has been put into attempt to give a balanced system that allows for team and guild based combat. PvP in the game is quite well done… Too bad you don’t see much of it except repeating the same battle in the same arena over and over! When I bought this game, I expected PvP. Not a mindless build up till we can PvP in a restricted arena! It is not like you even lose anything, this game was created for combat and a focus on such.

Solution) Give us PvP. Remember that first mission at the beginning of the game where you were set up against another team before starting your first instanced mission? Where is that later in the game? Give us key missions in the game that depend on killing another team trying for the same mission; half mindless AI, the other half competition against another team to complete the goal for that 1k exp. Give us unsafe travel zones that must be traveled where players are open to attack each other for exp bonus or small rewards. Maybe a mission where one side plays the bandit and the other team must escort the NPC while the others respawn. Give us something to play with instead of just the same sort of Arena’s and HoH matches over and over. Hell, give us one mission where it is a free for all travel to the middle. We need a reason to have enemies to even declare war on, and people to have as rivals besides just ditching our group half way through an RP mission. Give us purpose; give us a reason for passion in a fight! Give us a reason to despise a rival guild and fight them.

1) ***Guild Wars…What wars?!?***

Problem) My biggest issue, this is slightly connected to problem 2, but more specific. The name of the entire game implies combat between player guilds, however in reality we are limited to one very minor section that guilds even participate in true Guild Vs Guild content. Even then, it is extremely limited and minor. For the entire title of the product to be 2% of your game content or less, there is beyond a slight problem here. It isn’t even a war! Heck, it would be like the United States going over to England and asking “Hey, dude! Wanna fight for a bit in Hawaii and see how we do?” “Okay! Sounds fun, but then we gotta go back to running around aimlessly in the country side.” Come on! Be true to your name, we didn’t see and read about the game thinking about how we want the smallest aspect of gameplay to be related to the title of the game. I don’t know about you, but I expected actual wars…

Solution) Wars, actual fights! I want to see 20 player caps for each side on a huge battlefield, with tactical points, catapults, keeps and points of control, with maybe even some npc soldiers to bring into the fight or guard certain areas. The land would be much larger than the basic arena or guild war map, and be worthy of a war. Bases to take, mission objectives as well. Most of all, something to win and lose! Guild Wars could require a decided money wager, the winning side having the amount distributed among the victorious contestants, maybe even some sort of spoils of war or items up to play for. Wars are fought over a purpose, give us something to fight for and something to protect from losing. Most of all, expand this aspect of the game greatly. It is what the game was truly about originally.

(Conclusion) Well, that is my two cents. Love it or hate it. Hopefully, something good can be taken from it and benefit the game. Remember, the game just started, and there is a whole future ahead for this type of genre that is the first of its kind. Let us hope that it is given a true chance for a good future of care, and not neglect.

-Gance Trandonson E/N20

Helios · Jul 09, 2005, 02:19 AM // 02:19

How about not spamming this in more than one forum.

Indigo · Jul 09, 2005, 02:37 AM // 02:37

10) Agreed to a point. They have to have something to sell us later. We can't get everything at once.

9) Agreed. A better trading/selling system is needed.

8) Interesting, I've thought of similar things in regards to armor, to give more variety.

7) I actually like 8 skills. It makes for a more interesting game IMO.

6) Meh. Seems to be standard to reuse models with different skins. Been that way for a long time. Most MMO's have this as well. Doubt we'll see a serious departure from it for a while.

5) I actually bought this game based, nearly soully, on the fact that when I'm trying to complete a mission/quest, I'm not going to be bothered by someone else doing the same mission/quest. If it were my game, instances stay. Period.

4) You didn't want a pet that would be able to take out everything did you?

3) 1v1 is exactly where it should be, in Diablo2. This game was set up as a team oriented game, and 1v1 isn't really all that applicable, or feasable, in this game. Thankfully.

2) PvP is out there. Go find it. I've seen it hiding in various places. Guild on Guild combat. Again, teambased combat.

1) Wars would be interesting. I'd probably do a bit more PvP if there were larger scale battles. I agree that would be fun.

Interesting views. I don't agree with them all. But then, I can't imagine you posted that thinking that everyone was going to throw you accolaides and try to promote you to ANet's game enhancements group.

Have fun.

Aniewiel · Jul 09, 2005, 02:38 AM // 02:38

Quote:

7) ***1 Million skills, but you can use… 8!***

Make it so that, as with weapon slots, players can create different skills "belts"---only one can be used at a time but make 3-4 "belts" that can be loaded for different situations. 10 slots? OK, but still allow for a variety of belts.

Indigo · Jul 09, 2005, 02:42 AM // 02:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aniewiel

Make it so that, as with weapon slots, players can create different skills "belts"---only one can be used at a time but make 3-4 "belts" that can be loaded for different situations. 10 slots? OK, but still allow for a variety of belts.

I would like that, but only if they limited to belt-changing in town. I would prefer to have 4 builds saved per character, but I think it would be cheap to be able to "hot-swap" like weapons in the middle of a mission.

Myth Osis · Jul 09, 2005, 02:48 AM // 02:48

LOL my thoughts are exacty the same as indigo (Freaky).....

Apart from the pet thing.. pets really do suck man

(IMO either better skills, or a control system is needed)

But apart from that I agree.

Indigo · Jul 09, 2005, 02:51 AM // 02:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myth Osis

LOL my thoughts are exacty the same as indigo (Freaky).....

Apart from the pet thing.. pets really do suck man

(IMO either better skills, or a control system is needed)

But apart from that I agree.

I didn't say they didn't suck... Just wondered what sort of level would satisfy... I agree that a better control system is needed though.

PieXags · Jul 09, 2005, 02:54 AM // 02:54

I agree with all of the OP's points except pets sucking and 1 vs 1 battles. I could care less about 1 vs 1 and this is supposed to be a team oriented game. And the pets are fine as is, some pets can make nice tanks already. If a pet could do much more I'd despise the lot of 'em.

But to everything else, the trading, the limited armor designs, the PvP, all the rest seems square on. PvP right now is very drab and does not get you immersed in the experience at all. It's all just tiny little small skirmishes between a few parties. Big whoop.

Large-scale battles with multiple parties to each side and in big enviornments would be much more fun and would encourage many more people to continue playing the game, IMO. To fight in a war is much more rewarding and involved than any arena style PvP.

Mr Clarke · Jul 09, 2005, 02:57 AM // 02:57

I like your skill-belt idea, Aniewiel, but it would be a bit cheap to switch em up constantly during PvP like the weapon slots. Know what'd be pretty cool, though? If you could have 1 auxillary belt, with say 4 skills, but the skills loaded into your aux. belt take 2-3 times longer to recharge. So that way, you could have a few of those "just in case" skills (like a spell interupt), but you couldn't spam them. And skills without any recharge times, like signets, would take 2-3 times more energy to use.

I think that would keep the game balanced, but promote a bit more diversity.

Ristaron · Jul 09, 2005, 03:04 AM // 03:04

Some valid points. I'd like to point out several things.

Quote:

3) ***Where the hell is 1 vs 1???***

The number of times I have seen idiots post this question is appauling.
This is not a "Massive Online Multiplayer Game". Read a few interviews, or just recognize that more than half of the game cannot be done BY YOURSELF.
Guild Wars is a COOPERATIVE Online Multiplayer Game. Nobody gives a shit if your warrior can beat the crap out of an elementalist who has a great weakness to your physical strength. We only care if your warrior can cooperate with the team. This "machoman" brouhaha has to stop! So many warriors are so full of themselves over their high base AL and strength attribute they think they're the one and only worthy class in this game!
(No offense to the intelligent warriors who are team players.)
(And if Mr. Independant here is not a warrior, then the same thing still applies of not thinking teams are worth it.)

Quote:

4) ***Pets… SUCK.***

I can bet you have given very little thought to all the Beast Mastery skills Rangers have. That "meatshield" is never given a thought by anybody! If you stock up on Beast Mastery skills you can turn your pet into one of the strongest things on the field - and you can even be its personal monk!

Quote:

2) ***PvP content… where is it?***

Problem) So much effort has been put into attempt to give a balanced system that allows for team and guild based combat. PvP in the game is quite well done… Too bad you don’t see much of it except repeating the same battle in the same arena over and over! When I bought this game, I expected PvP. Not a mindless build up till we can PvP in a restricted arena! It is not like you even lose anything, this game was created for combat and a focus on such.

Another narrow-minded acusation of shortcomings. True some arenas get repetitive, that's why you don't waste time in the Ascalon and Shiverpeak arenas. Competition and the one in Droknar's forge are great.
But, even better is the Tomb of Primeval Kings. Stop presenting yourself as an idiot and get ventro or TS, you'll be able to find a party.
Or find some friends (a guild would be better) and party up with them. Tomb PvP is quite fun, you're just pissed that your level 10 mesmer is getting his ass kicked in Shiverpeak and want to stock your party with more warriors to defend you. Trust me, Shiverpeak sucks, and doesn't matter at all.
Guild wars has alot of PvP content, but it's reserved for the people who take the time to learn the game. So stop whining and get a party and go through the rest of the game.
Beating your mirror self and finally ascending isn't hard if you take off the res signet that you don't need for the fight and replace it with a skill you will need.

Quote:

7) ***1 Million skills, but you can use… 8!***

Find skills that work together if you don't like the restriction.
Though, I will admit that 8 is a little few later on in the game (sometimes). It actually makes the game more interesting, and presents a good challenge... but it's nothing a well-balanced team cannot overcome.

Gance, you need to stop thinking that everything revolves around the strength of one person. Guild Wars is a team game, not a testosterone competition for punks who would rather do the whole game solo.

FengShuiBundi · Jul 09, 2005, 03:08 AM // 03:08

Top 10 Issues?

10. Crappy PvE (Oooh I beat the final boss. YAY 1000xp!)
9. Horrible AI
8. Trade System
7. Guild Practice, Perks, Wars, etc (list goes ON)
6. Faction rewards are farked
5. Faction rewards are farked
4. Wonderfully balanced skills hidden under mountains of grind (thanks Sama)
3. Grind
2. PvP grind
1. Lack of "fun"

Of course... I left out what is probobly the biggest issue:
Developers and designers that made a great game in the betas, but ruined it upon release, that refuse to acknowledge the great ideas introduced by intelligent members of the community, and attempt to appease the gamers with crappy updates that don't really solve the pressing issues.

Indigo · Jul 09, 2005, 03:09 AM // 03:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ristaron

you need to stop thinking that everything revolves around the strength of one person. Guild Wars is a team game, not a testosterone competition for punks who would rather do the whole game solo.

100% Agreed.

calendae · Jul 09, 2005, 03:09 AM // 03:09

I think the only improvment needed for pets is the ability to tell them to sit and stay, or attack. My dog in real life can sit, so why not a ranger's pet?

UsagiNoSenshi · Jul 09, 2005, 03:15 AM // 03:15

"***Pets… SUCK.***"

they don't suck, you just suck at using them.

Ristaron · Jul 09, 2005, 03:16 AM // 03:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by calendae

I think the only improvment needed for pets is the ability to tell them to sit and stay, or attack. My dog in real life can sit, so why not a ranger's pet?

Good idea. Would get complex though... a pet window on top of all the others...

Crix Lionheart · Jul 09, 2005, 03:18 AM // 03:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by FengShuiBundi

Of course... I left out what is probobly the biggest issue:
Developers and designers that made a great game in the betas, but ruined it upon release, that refuse to acknowledge the great ideas introduced by intelligent members of the community, and attempt to appease the gamers with crappy updates that don't really solve the pressing issues.

I didn't play the beta. Can someone please tell me how it was better? Because I have no idea what it was like.

primal98 · Jul 09, 2005, 03:25 AM // 03:25

YES YES YES #10 and #5 is what I have been BEGGING FOR to be changed. I eman all these towns... and some towns literally have no purpose. Why dont thy have quests that force us to go back to town X... or maybe little things like dwaren ale in other towns

Would make the game 1000000x better. I mean look at the fire islands. They serve no purpose really besides Mass skill hunts and going from mission to mission

Now although the game has many short-commings, and didnt meet my total expectations(iunno what I read and watched made the game seem SO AWESOME), BUT it was worth the 50$ and I plan to purchase expansions slong as Anet continues to improve on it

~prime

Myth Osis · Jul 09, 2005, 03:34 AM // 03:34

*sigh*

Pets sucking thread .....

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...&page=1&pp=25,

Been debated for a while now....

Pets control Sucks
Solution
Add attack on target command,
Retreat to owner command,
add protect owner stance, (Roaming pet, close circle)
add hunt stance. (Roaming pet, wide circle)

Pets require an accessive amout of skills to be affective
Solution
Combine the "Bring", "heal", "Res" pet skills.

I think these are valid solutions and should be fairly easly implemented through the excellent update system.

UsagiNoSenshi · Jul 09, 2005, 03:42 AM // 03:42

and notice how most of us posted how pets didn't suck ~ ~

Aniewiel · Jul 09, 2005, 03:48 AM // 03:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Clarke

I like your skill-belt idea, Aniewiel, but it would be a bit cheap to switch em up constantly during PvP like the weapon slots. Know what'd be pretty cool, though? If you could have 1 auxillary belt, with say 4 skills, but the skills loaded into your aux. belt take 2-3 times longer to recharge. So that way, you could have a few of those "just in case" skills (like a spell interupt), but you couldn't spam them. And skills without any recharge times, like signets, would take 2-3 times more energy to use.

I think that would keep the game balanced, but promote a bit more diversity.

I don't think they should be 'switchable' any more than you can switch skills currently UNLESS you're in town. In PvP, you should only be able to change 'belts' before the battle begins.