Guild Wars Review

Review Platform: PC

Guild Wars

In what has been a trying time for PC gamers in search of something different from your typical hack-and-slash routine, NCSoft has offered what could be the answer to our prayers. Since it's release earlier this year, Guild Wars has seen nothing short of success in the shadow of Blizzard's eight-hundred pound gorilla, The World of Warcraft. Still, despite the odds, Guild Wars plays in a league of its own; instead of offering the typical harsh grueling task of grinding to the max level where everything's fun, Guild Wars provides an immersive world where the core of gameplay is precisely what the title implies, and that is the thrill of combat.

Gameplay

Whether you're itching to get out and start battling with other players, or looking to start an adventure, the creators have made sure that it's all about having a good time by doing away with the dreaded grind system that has long limited and turned players away from experiencing what the developers set out to create in the first place. With a peak level of twenty, players don't have to worry about being left behind anymore in all the fun. You can have your cake and eat it too. And by that, I mean you'll be able to play other players (PVP) to your heart's content without worrying about the guy who's forty levels higher than you wielding the ultra-rare Hammer of Thor. Of course those who put more time in reap more rewards, but for the most part, level differences do little because it's your skill in gameplay and strategy that counts most when fighting in massive battles. So instead of spending hours killing rabbit-zombies outside in the newbie field, so you can move on to the next area to kill wandering deer for a couple more hours, you'll be more focused on personalizing any one of six character classes and learning how to improve yourself as a player. And, just because it may be easy to level doesn't mean it's easy to master, although I'm pretty sure no one will argue against that trade-off. Just think of leveling as a nice touchup for those who'd rather role play along in a game with an equally impressive storyline that progresses as you complete your choice of countless quests, gain new skills, and venture further into the world. Or if you'd rather do away with the whole leveling process completely, the game also offers the option of creating a PVP-specific character that will allow you to begin with a fully leveled character geared and ready for combat. The downside is if you make one, you won't be able to take part in any co-operative activities.

Graphics

The graphics don't hurt either. It's almost too easy to get lost in the impressive foliage of an oak tree as it is to be enthralled by the gameplay itself. Everything from the monsters to the landscape is a three-dimensional work of art, although in some cases, it's kind of a bummer that there isn't much detail to certain specifics even with such great technology. The environment, for one thing, isn't too friendly to the anally adventurous, meaning those of you who enjoy teetering off cliffs and discovering every single rock and corner will find yourselves unable to, but aside from that, it is flawless.

Summary

Unbelievably simple yet it retains the complexity that has often been lacking in MMO's recently in terms of story development and gameplay. What's more, the game is still constantly being updated as new maps are added in and the community is one of the best I've had the pleasure of playing with. It's the perfect choice for those who play casually and would rather cut straight to the chase without having everything become too easy. And after purchasing ($39.99-$49.99 depending on retailer), there's no monthly fee to worry about.