The specific kind of game that is Guild Wars

I asked this of The game makers, but they do not have time for me, so I'll ask here:

Is Guild wars an RPG, or something else, because my impression seems a bit confused. Some people compare it to Real Time Strategy games, others to First Person Shooter games, many games focusing on only the Player vs Player aspect of games, etc. Is this just a person vs. person game?

I was wondering, is this game a Roleplaying Game in any traditional sense? I seem to get no straight answer from anyone. Can you help me?

Guild Wars is a little bit of everything. Let me explain..

Real Time Strategy: You have to think on the move and adapt in battle. If you just sit back and mindlessly cast you'll die in no time.

Shooter: This game is just as exiciting (and sometimes more exciting) than most FPS. You can go into First person view and the fact that people are constantly shooting balls of magic at each other makes it feel like a FPS in a way and to an extent.

Person vs Person: This game is just person vs person WHEN and ONLY when you are in pvp areas. You have to selectively enter these areas. At other times it is PVE. Also, you can make PVP only characters and that is when your game will be player vs player only.

I hope this helps!

~Zintinix

I was actually wondering if this was less about killing other players and more about character development and personal advancement, or even party advancement. I do not mind RTS games, but FPS and PvP hold no interest for me for the most part. I prefer to create a character that grows continually.

So I guess what I'm asking is, what parts of this game are truly taken from RPGs, and what is taken from other games?

The game is much more inclined for PvP and mission-based quests.

I understand what you're saying. But, much of the game is about developing your actual skills in the game with pvp.

So, nothing like a Neverwinter Nights, Baldur's Gate game?

I would like to hear from others.

Similar to Neverwinter Nights in the respect of action, PvP servers with integrated quests for experience.

Nothing like a traditional roleplaying server. You may find people who roleplay.

I'm thinking less of roleplay as in "In character" and more in terms of loot, exp, and killing monsters for these things while my character continues to grow in any facet. I understand there is a level cap, and am likening it in my mind to how you gain different skills, etc after 20th level in D&D type games (epic levels for those not int the know). is this at least in some way right?

I'm going to bump this so I can get (hopefully) a few more replies. Also, tell me this, I liked the single player NWN, BG type of games as well as Gauntlet Legends type multi-player. Is this game similar in any way?

The game does have a storyline, but it looks to me what you're looking for is a deeply involved storyline with your character set out and evolving over the course. Guild Wars is not like that though. So if that's the type of game you're looking for, this probably really isn't for you.

Ever Played Gauntlet Legends of Champions of Norrath? I like them too. In essence, I like games where I play with others and gain stuff. Whatever that stuff may be. However I dislike fighting other players.

Oh, then GW has plenty of stuff. Skills, items, armour pieces, weapons... I love it how you can go through the whole game without ever worrying if your level is too low or whatever, in fact, you don't even need to know if you've levelled up aside from needing the attribute points.

"Built for Competition"

"If you like Player-versus-Player competition, Guild Wars was made for you."

"The game is designed to reward player skill and teamwork, not time spent playing"

"Guilds can challenge other guilds to battle, compete for control of key parts of the world, and be ranked on a worldwide ladder."

"Currently the level cap is set to a maximum of 20. Once you reach Level 20, you will continue to acquire skill points and refund points, but your health and mana points will be capped. At this time, there are no plans to raise the level cap."

Sounds like you're in the wrong game. There's a hard cap in place, then no more 'dings'. 'Stuff' is pretty limited, no awesome rarez. And the game is designed and intended for PvP.

I reckon the closest game to GW is Diablo. If you have ever played that, then GW is essentially the same. Focused on quick fights against a few opponents at a time, quick casting spells, low penalty on dieing. Character progression and story line does not seem to be as deep as Baldur's Gate, and the RP element is not as strong. But there are hints of BG.