Let's put it this way... since you seem like the "ratings mean everything" kind of guy...
It's not getting 9.3's and 9.6's, and beating out WoW on every review... for no reason.
Like elvis said, if you're looking for the long grind to supremacy... stick to all the other MMORPG's. Albeit, while this isn't an MMO, it has elements of MMORPG gaming. Basically, think of it like Diablo 2, in full 3D, with a much better story line, beautiful eye-candy, VERY FAST PACED gameplay, and fully rendered 3D Towns which are essentially Chat Rooms, Trading Posts, and Quest Locations.
The MMORPG feel comes from your direct connection to the Arena.net servers. When you enter a town, there are hundreds of real people there (just like you) to talk to, trade with, and party up with to go on quests. As soon as you leave those towns/outposts to go get exp, quest, mission, or explore... you are in your own instance of that zone/level along with your current party members. NO ONE ELSE, can enter that instance while you are there... no one. Once you go back to town, you'll be back with all the people that are currently in that location. Thus far, every town I've been in has been packed to the brim with people... Very large player base.
Finally... The game is all about skill. Forget what you know about MMO's, and what you think you know about pvp... skill reigns supreme in GW. Not your armor... Your weapon... Your crazy little fandangled medallion... Skill.
Great armor and weapons will give you a tilt on the battlefield, but unlike every mmo out there (and I've played them all.... really.) they don't make or break your character, in the least. There are tons of skills to acquire for your character, some even with small drawbacks and large bonuses, and it's knowing when and where to use them that define's your ability in this game. Completely.
Now I'm a casual gamer, and I can tell you... this game is definately casual gamer friendly, as well as hardcore gamer friendly. From what I've heard, the main story missions and asending to level 20 (max), will take you around 100 hours of gameplay, but there are about a billion and 1 quests all over the world for you to explore and enjoy. Beyond level 20, is when the game apparently REALLY begins, because the majority of player pvp content is held at those upper levels. And if you don't feel like waiting to dabble into high level pvp... You can create an instant level 20 pvp character out of the box.... Outfitted with good gear, and a full assortment of skills. It let's you get your feet wet, or fully play the upper level pvp, if you're not one to level your own character to 20, and unlock the additional equipment and skills. PvP only characters may not be as "good" as the PvE/PvP 1-20 characters you build from scratch, but they will surely allow you to get an enjoyable experience out of the game. Although I don't see how you couldn't enjoy the PvE --> PvP side of it.
Bottom line; If you liked WoW, or Lineage 2 (also made my NCSoft), or Diablo 2, then you'll probably like this. If you don't have the time to play a billion hours a day, or feel like doing nothing but playing GW, then you'll probably like this. If you like a large player base and gaming community, then you'll probably like this. If you like a good storyline, amazing PvE, or amazing PvP content, then you'll probably like this.
If you want to grind your way to max level, to get the best equipment, and then beat some tard's butt with your uber gear, just because it's uber.... Then this isn't the game for you, and you're better off with WoW, EQ2, L2, COH, EQ, AC2, SWG, DAOC, etc...
It requires strategy... It requires as much time as you want to put in with no restrictions... and it really requires actual player skill. It is Guild Wars, and personally, I think worth your time and hard earned money.
Personal opinion.
-= Beradok Klethmoor =-
Level 10 Necro / Ranger
