Curse

Henchman · Sep 07, 2007, 08:36 PM // 20:36

As a player who doesn't own the game and is thinking of purchasing it, I come to the community to ask the opinions of players for myself and for others.

What does GWEN have to offer?
As for myself, titles mean nothing to me, and neither does a virtual hall with my virtual items. I am a man of gameplay- I am seeking to have fun, not to be glorious. Yet from what I heard, the above mentioned are a large portion of the game, is this true?

And some additional things I am pondering:
How much content is there in GWEN compared to the other campaigns?
Does GWEN offer anything new for PvP?
Does GWEN offer some new PvE gameplay, or does it follow the same (yet successful) formula of the previous games?

Thanks...

Shoujo · Sep 07, 2007, 09:04 PM // 21:04

I wouldn't touch GWEN if I were new. For me, new skills and new classes are far more important than dungeons/story. And if you're even slightly interested in PvP, which I assume you are since you're asking about it, GWEN shouldn't even be on your list till you get the other campaigns first.

Check the GWEN forums too by the way. There should be a thread titled "Impressions of a new player" or something like that. Will give you an idea of what to expect.

Henchman · Sep 07, 2007, 09:15 PM // 21:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoujo

I wouldn't touch GWEN if I were new. For me, new skills and new classes are far more important than dungeons/story. And if you're even slightly interested in PvP, which I assume you are since you're asking about it, GWEN shouldn't even be on your list till you get the other campaigns first.

Check the GWEN forums too by the way. There should be a thread titled "Impressions of a new player" or something like that. Will give you an idea of what to expect.

I never said I was new to Guild Wars: I have Prophecies and Nightfall, and I am just inquiring about GWEN.

The Shadow · Sep 07, 2007, 09:25 PM // 21:25

As far as what I know from what I've completed in GW:EN (admittedly, I haven't gotten terribly far)-

1. The game is very much based on the titles. If you're looking for new armor, consumables or weapons, then you must achieve a specific ranking with the Norn, Asura, Vanguard etc.

2. The "hall of monuments" isn't important to the gameplay itself; you can work on it if you want to.

3. The content is lacking. There isn't much "content", but you'll be working on it for hours due to the high level monsters in each area (normally 20+). There is a new sticky here on the forums with a complete GW:EN map... you can judge for yourself as far as the content based on the areas available for play.

4. As far as PvP is concerned, I can't help you there... I'm strictly PvE...

5. As far as new gameplay, there are repeatable "mini-games" as well as repeatable dungeons. Other than that, the typical style of gameplay still applies.

I didn't take the OP as being new to the game, but an experienced player not yet owning GW:EN. I obviously can't speak for you, but based on your comments & questions, I'm not sure you'd enjoy it too much. I would suggest finding a friend (or guildie) who has it and ask them their thoughts (since they would know you better). I enjoy playing it, but I don't mind the title grind... gives me something to do in the "downtime".

Government Flu · Sep 07, 2007, 09:29 PM // 21:29

Eye of the North is a mixed bag. ArenaNet listened to a lot of suggestions from the community and carried them out in this installment, such as adding common armor that any profession can wear and even creating a skill that grants a benefit while you're drunk, to name a few.

Among the standard lineup, you've got new monsters and new skills, mostly for the PvE minded player. These follow the same rules as the small selection of lightbringer/sunspear skills did in Nightfall.

The armor is a disappointment. While there's a lot more to choose from, they all appear to be reskins and the community as a whole are not impressed by them. Personally, there are only a few armors out there that look interesting, but it remains a weak point.

Also, despite monsters also being reskinned, (including a bizarre compilation of floating axes and swords) there are a few neat critters out there such as the prehistorically influenced creatures of the Asuran lands.

If you're a veteran player seeking to go into GW2 when it comes out, HoM is a reasonable selling point. We won't know its influence until the new series comes out, but like the back of the game box says, we'll get some kind of special heroes or weapons. So you never know.

To sum it up, GWEN offers no new PvP content but plenty of PvE adventures to be had. The monster AI has become much more advanced, where it is a common sight to see mobs with creatures that use two professions. In fact, I've even seen golems using a steady stance build flawlessly, something that hero AI could never handle prior to the release of EN.

Despite the increase in monster AI, most mobs present little challenge and it becomes just another neat little improvement.

GWEN is a decent expansion, with lots of improvements, but uses the same old formula you've come to love or hate. Therefore, use your best discretion. This isn't a must buy if you're not a solid fan of GW.

Shoujo · Sep 07, 2007, 09:31 PM // 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henchman

I never said I was new to Guild Wars: I have Prophecies and Nightfall, and I am just inquiring about GWEN.

Doh! I read the don't "Don't have the game" as "Don't have GW."

I'd take Factions over GWEN just for the PvP angle. New classes, some essential PvP skills.

Molock · Sep 07, 2007, 09:31 PM // 21:31

Oh god.. please don't waste your money on that crap...
Factions is better...
Title Wars ftl...

Kook~NBK~ · Sep 07, 2007, 09:36 PM // 21:36

GW:EN has a shorter story than the others, but it's well done once you get part the initial quests that take you there.

It doesn't offer much at all for the PvP crowd, but some of the enhancements to the PvE side of things (Dual-profession enemies) make game-play a bit better.

If you're playing for the fun of it, GW:EN would be a very good buy. They did a very good job of including things that are just plain FUN. And that is the sole intent of those things. There's a dungeon full of snowmen and the only reward at the end are a few Wintersday trinkets - but it's quite fun to do. See the thread about getting killed by a big rock and the one about the bunnies.

Grinding is strictly optional. Yes there are title levels you need to get to for access to certian NPC services, but those requirements are so low, you can reach them by just doing quests and taking bounties while you're doing them.

The Graphics are still top-notch, and there are some very, very well done areas. They gave enemies dual professions, but in the beginning, they're not very challenging - later on the challenge grows.

The boxing arena and Norn arena are quite fun and a bit challenging. I didn't care for Polymock, myself.

The loot in GW:EN seems to be somewhat lacking, don't bother using lockpicks - you'll end up with a bunch of purple junk. (Hopefully they'll bring Hard Mode into GW:EN to make things better. But if you're not worried about the loot, it's a non-issue.

bhavv · Sep 07, 2007, 09:37 PM // 21:37

GW:EN is fantastic. You should buy it, nuff said. I dont think you have to gring the titles to play the game, its only for armors.

Two words.... SNOWMAN DUNGEON!!!

Harmless · Sep 07, 2007, 09:42 PM // 21:42

It all depends on what you like.

I personally like having the new areas to explore, the mini-games and dungeons, the new heroes, and all the humorous touches. But then I like all three campaigns.

If you are obsessed with completing everything very rapidly in a marathon playing style, or if you don't really like PvE you probably won't like it. If you like exploring, reading the dialog, laughing at the humor, and taking your time enjoying all the game has to offer, you will most likely enjoy it.

Vinraith · Sep 07, 2007, 09:50 PM // 21:50

You should never ask a question like that on a games forum. People that like the game tend to be playing the game, people that like to moan and bitch tend to hang around game sites and spew.

darktyco · Sep 08, 2007, 12:59 AM // 00:59

I posted a summary of my own feelings here if you are interested: http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...php?t=10195751

In summary, I felt very iffy about buying it (I didn't do the preview), but I am very glad I did get it. Although, if you don't have Factions yet, maybe you should get that one first.

Foe · Sep 08, 2007, 01:08 AM // 01:08

...yeah it was like awsome at 1st, like when you 1st step into the new shiverspeak maps its jaw dropping...and thats about it. reskin monsters, reskin weapons and armour, the very concept of rare weapons was officially obliterated . Basicaly you grind some map repeatedly, get rank 5 in one of the new race title tracks, buy armour that looks vaguely familiar...i havnt been on much but im guessing the meta hasnt changed much...which kinda sux..but at least they didnt make it any worse..i think. I dunno..its few new dungeons to crawl around in with some friends. In hindsight would i still buy it..prolly not but thats me and depends on how you enjoy playing gw.

Zehnchu · Sep 08, 2007, 01:21 AM // 01:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henchman

As a player who doesn't own the game and is thinking of purchasing it, I come to the community to ask the opinions of players for myself and for others.

I'll make it short and sweet....

Save your money for beer.

Juicey Shake · Sep 08, 2007, 01:39 AM // 01:39

to feed the paycheck they for some reason to decide to give gaile gray

acidic · Sep 08, 2007, 01:45 AM // 01:45

get factions over gwen.

Stolen Souls · Sep 08, 2007, 03:03 AM // 03:03

^I agree. Factions>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>GWEN

Never would have thought I'd be saying that. -_-

Epinephrine · Sep 08, 2007, 03:11 AM // 03:11

Factions>GW:EN indeed.

GW:EN isn't bad, but Factions brings a lot more to the table.

darktyco · Sep 08, 2007, 03:29 AM // 03:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foe

...yeah it was like awsome at 1st, like when you 1st step into the new shiverspeak maps its jaw dropping...and thats about it. reskin monsters, reskin weapons and armour, the very concept of rare weapons was officially obliterated . Basicaly you grind some map repeatedly, get rank 5 in one of the new race title tracks, buy armour that looks vaguely familiar...i havnt been on much but im guessing the meta hasnt changed much...which kinda sux..but at least they didnt make it any worse..i think. I dunno..its few new dungeons to crawl around in with some friends. In hindsight would i still buy it..prolly not but thats me and depends on how you enjoy playing gw.

Um, I think you are leaving out the quality of the mob builds and groups. In all the other campaigns all you get is pretty much standard "rip through 'em" monster fare. In GWEN the monsters have dual class builds that are actually useful and will challenge you and your teams composition. The combat in GWEN is far more engaging and thought provoking than in any of the campaigns.

darktyco · Sep 08, 2007, 03:32 AM // 03:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Epinephrine

Factions>GW:EN indeed.

GW:EN isn't bad, but Factions brings a lot more to the table.

Agreed. Factions has some awesome skills and awesome armor that I would not want to be without. And personally I like the storyline and flow of the missions/quests quite a lot (although the voice acting is absolutely AWFUL.) I would only recommend GWEN to players that have completed all three campaigns.