Some may think it has started recently with the mid-June, with the introduction of the PvE Skill Grind and little attention to PvP. Some may claim that it has begun to degenerate since Factions, due to the Faction grind and the creation of the instability in PvP. Whereever it began, Guild Wars has lost the magic from when it was released 4/27/05.
Now, ArenaNet seeks to correct this imbalance with GW:EN. But can they do it?
The expansion claims to have 18 Sorrow's Furnace type dungeons (I still say SF was Guild Wars's best update). But will you actually be able to get a PuG for each of those 18 dungeons, or will you just be Hero/Henching each one? (then again, in GWEN you can have 3 Heroes of a single profession, so you can just sleep while you use 3x Searing Flames Heroes)
Also PvE skills, which have received mixed opinions on the forums with respect to their power level, will be a primary aspect of GWEN. With 50 PvE skills, how much of our skill bar will actually be from our primary profession? And with the skills, presumably, comes the grind, which has shown to be a disaster (Hello Kurzick/Luxon Allegiance!)
And PvP. Nothing can be said about PvP because...10 skills per profession?! That'll do much to improve balance and attention, but those are issues for another thead.
I don't think that GW:EN will fix GW; there's way too much to fix. But alas, with the confirmed release date so soon (2 months), and with no preview event, we can only hope for the best.
Can GW:EN renew Guild Wars?
Zinger314
Mordakai
To be frank:
GWEN will make some much needed capital between now and GW2 release.
It will also serve as both a "finale" to some storylines in Guild Wars, and open up new ones for GW2. (not to say there won't be further GW updates, it sounds from Gaile there will be!)
I honestly am not a hardcore player, but for those who are, they will buy GWEN just for the Hall of Monuments.
Those casual players like me will just buy it for the new things to see and do....
EDIT: There is no "free" preview event, but there will be a "sneak peak/headstart" which, IMO, is much better.
I mean, what can Anet possible show you from GWEN that will change your mind? You sound like you will be disappointed no matter what.
GWEN will make some much needed capital between now and GW2 release.
It will also serve as both a "finale" to some storylines in Guild Wars, and open up new ones for GW2. (not to say there won't be further GW updates, it sounds from Gaile there will be!)
I honestly am not a hardcore player, but for those who are, they will buy GWEN just for the Hall of Monuments.
Those casual players like me will just buy it for the new things to see and do....
EDIT: There is no "free" preview event, but there will be a "sneak peak/headstart" which, IMO, is much better.
I mean, what can Anet possible show you from GWEN that will change your mind? You sound like you will be disappointed no matter what.
Silly Warrior
OMG will u just go awayz zinger gosh! 
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Well, I'd say that it will be VERY hard for GW:EN to meet our expectations, but I feel that the Devs will try their best to balance out skill releated problems (hopefully...).
And for dungeons, I KNOW it will be good, if they can do it once, they can do it again.
GW:EN appears to be alot more open play, as oppose to mission after mission, and I think this will really appeal to some gamers, me included.
And there does appear to be a Preview event, (although speculation) set at June 20th 07 as a week event.
I think GW:EN will renew Guild Wars.
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Well, I'd say that it will be VERY hard for GW:EN to meet our expectations, but I feel that the Devs will try their best to balance out skill releated problems (hopefully...).
And for dungeons, I KNOW it will be good, if they can do it once, they can do it again.
GW:EN appears to be alot more open play, as oppose to mission after mission, and I think this will really appeal to some gamers, me included.
And there does appear to be a Preview event, (although speculation) set at June 20th 07 as a week event.
I think GW:EN will renew Guild Wars.
EPO Bot
I think Prophecies is incredibly bland when it comes to PVE. They only gave us more options.
TabascoSauce
Based on recent choices by ANet, I do not have high hopes for EotN.
Thanks!
TabascoSauce
Thanks!
TabascoSauce
Mordakai
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Silly Warrior
And there does appear to be a Preview event, (although speculation) set at June 20th 07 as a week event.
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I heard the weekend of Aug. 24 - 26. (that was on a pre-release website, not official).
It was confirmed by Gaile that PAX will be having some uber-GW event, that happens to coincide with that date as well. Reminds me of the E3 "Global Beta" Anet threw before Guild Wars launched.
http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com/schedule.php
Jetdoc
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Silly Warrior
And there does appear to be a Preview event, (although speculation) set at June 20th 07 as a week event.
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Kakumei
I don't think it needs renewing????
Evidently that's just me!
Evidently that's just me!
Series
My prediction for GW:EN:
18 Generic "Multi-Layer" dungeons, of which most are so easy you can equip 7 henchies and flag em through it, while some are so hard it is impossible to beat without glitching (think DOA) or downright dumb, unfun tactics (think DOA). No "challenging" middle ground.
A ton of grind for new PvE only skills. This will keep em busy till GW2.
No balance added for PvP.
No solutions to problems in the game since beta.
New mini-pets for year 3 birthday.
100 useless skills that will never see metagame.
OR
100 overpowered skills that will be the metagame.
Did I mention grind?
I'm not saying it will be a bad game, just not the great thing it is hyped up to be.
18 Generic "Multi-Layer" dungeons, of which most are so easy you can equip 7 henchies and flag em through it, while some are so hard it is impossible to beat without glitching (think DOA) or downright dumb, unfun tactics (think DOA). No "challenging" middle ground.
A ton of grind for new PvE only skills. This will keep em busy till GW2.
No balance added for PvP.
No solutions to problems in the game since beta.
New mini-pets for year 3 birthday.
100 useless skills that will never see metagame.
OR
100 overpowered skills that will be the metagame.
Did I mention grind?
I'm not saying it will be a bad game, just not the great thing it is hyped up to be.
Buster
Renewing what ? Huh ? Not sure if it really needs renewing but GW:EN will surely add some more excitement for people. The Guild Wars franchise has a bright future i think 
MSecorsky
I don't see GW as needing "renewing" at all. I'm still having a blast, and have been since day 1. GW:EN is just icing on the cake.
Mister_Smiley
Ya i've been playing Guildwars almost since it came out and i find things to keep me into the game, so i don't see how people could get bored of this game. I can't wait for GW:EN becuase i just love looking at the stuff that Anet gives us. Also if your going to complain about GW and all, there is always a simple thing to do and that is quit. Also as fair as Grind goes, no one forces you do grind, so if you don't want to grind then don't.
Mordakai
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Series
My prediction for GW:EN:
18 Generic "Multi-Layer" dungeons, of which most are so easy you can equip 7 henchies and flag em through it, while some are so hard it is impossible to beat without glitching (think DOA) or downright dumb, unfun tactics (think DOA). No "challenging" middle ground. |
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Series
A ton of grind for new PvE only skills. This will keep em busy till GW2.
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Series
I'm not saying it will be a bad game, just not the great thing it is hyped up to be.
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The Great Al
gw:en sounds like it will be awesome. however, once the initial fun is gone, i'm sensing that there will be a TON of added grind. and on top of that, once people see which title tracks make for the coolest hall of monuments, those will turn into grinds too...the price of unIDs will soar, or everyone will be opening chests, etc...
Thunder79
Quote:
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Originally Posted by MSecorsky
I don't see GW as needing "renewing" at all. I'm still having a blast, and have been since day 1. GW:EN is just icing on the cake.
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the grind in this game doesn't really bother me yet....the factions pve only skills were the only grinds that even came close...but I've gotten those out of the way with this past weekend's event.
In most games you grind to get the best items or grind to the top level...your level limits your fun so you have to grind. In this game the grind isn't required...it's optional...it's a challenge. You get to the highest level easily and can get kick ass weapons easily...which means you can have fun pretty easily...no grind requried.
Despozblehero
honestly i cant get hyped when the game thats already out has seriously flaws...(*cough*economys broke, skill balances, AI, A lot of PvP atm, lol partysearch?, rubberbanding, DoA, etc... *cough*)... and when it seems everything (even pvp) is turning into grinds with rewards imho not worth the grinding or in cases money(*see broken economy ^^). And a more than apparent dwindling player base... no an expansion isnt going to fix the game we have now... addressing the game we have now will fix the game we have now, not telling us how sweet the expansion graphics looks or the whole new "number 2 version" coming out years from now fixes everything...
davicams
I think GWEN will keep us busy till GW2 with all the new content and the all year mini games for the asura and norn.
How do you buy the prerelease package? where would it be available?
How do you buy the prerelease package? where would it be available?
TabascoSauce
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Series
Did I mention grind?
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This is mere speculation, but the PvE only skills will be given by the other races? And each one will have their own grind track, of course.
Thanks!
TabascoSauce
lyra_song
Quote:
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Originally Posted by TabascoSauce
QFT.
This is mere speculation, but the PvE only skills will be given by the other races? And each one will have their own grind track, of course. Thanks! TabascoSauce |
agrios
I guess GWEN will be good in general to gather the mass of players that are scattered tru the 3 campaigns atm.
Grouping and social interaction will increase, trading will be good.
For the skills I cant say what to expect, since PvE - which seems to be the focus of GWEN, is constantly hammered by the nerfbat, and the remedy - PVE only skills, are far away to compensate 2 years of consecutive "skill balances". It would be a lie if I say I got any optimistic about the skills in GWEN.
My highest hopes rely on the storyline and how the dungeon features will be implemented.
In general GWEN will be fine, I believe, but it will make all the other places even more desert.
Grouping and social interaction will increase, trading will be good.
For the skills I cant say what to expect, since PvE - which seems to be the focus of GWEN, is constantly hammered by the nerfbat, and the remedy - PVE only skills, are far away to compensate 2 years of consecutive "skill balances". It would be a lie if I say I got any optimistic about the skills in GWEN.
My highest hopes rely on the storyline and how the dungeon features will be implemented.
In general GWEN will be fine, I believe, but it will make all the other places even more desert.
Griff Mon
I am having a lot of fun as it is, so anything new will just add to it all. There will be an initial rush into the new areas, the usual complaints about this nerf or that buff. Certain items will be wildly overpriced early on, and people will complain that parts of it are too easy/too hard. I'm just gonna enjoy it.
Zinger314
Quote:
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Originally Posted by TabascoSauce
QFT.
This is mere speculation, but the PvE only skills will be given by the other races? And each one will have their own grind track, of course. Thanks! TabascoSauce |
Another thought came up; what if the PvE skills are essential to solving dungeons? Would that force us to PuG and make H/Hing impossible? I agree it's speculation, but the PvE-only skills appear to be a cause of uncertainity.
Silly Warrior
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mordakai
June 20th is long gone... Did you mean July 20th? That's the day the pre-release becomes available, so I doubt they'd have the sneak peak event so soon.
I heard the weekend of Aug. 24 - 26. (that was on a pre-release website, not official). It was confirmed by Gaile that PAX will be having some uber-GW event, that happens to coincide with that date as well. Reminds me of the E3 "Global Beta" Anet threw before Guild Wars launched. http://www.pennyarcadeexpo.com/schedule.php |
Sorry guys.
Roshi_ikkyu
Zinger314, I've missed your 'sky is falling' threads.
But hey I'll try seeing thru the speculation and reply.
Umm I see GWEN as a modern guild wars equal to Sorrows Furnace. Back when they realised/ knew factions was taking longer then expected they produced that cheery lil place in the shiverpeaks.
Now they have realised/know that what they want in the future isn't possible in GW, So all hail GW2. But thats atleast 2yrs away, so they bring out GWEN to tie us over.
Short answer SF help stave the masses revolt till factions, GWEN will have prevent a large percent of players leaving. But sadly I see less and less beta-era players around. GW isn't what there into any more, thank god that almost monthly there are new players joining.
But hey I'll try seeing thru the speculation and reply.
Umm I see GWEN as a modern guild wars equal to Sorrows Furnace. Back when they realised/ knew factions was taking longer then expected they produced that cheery lil place in the shiverpeaks.
Now they have realised/know that what they want in the future isn't possible in GW, So all hail GW2. But thats atleast 2yrs away, so they bring out GWEN to tie us over.
Short answer SF help stave the masses revolt till factions, GWEN will have prevent a large percent of players leaving. But sadly I see less and less beta-era players around. GW isn't what there into any more, thank god that almost monthly there are new players joining.
Bryant Again
Time will tell.
Mordakai
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Despozblehero
addressing the game we have now will fix the game we have now, not telling us how sweet the expansion graphics looks or the whole new "number 2 version" coming out years from now fixes everything...
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That said, in an oddly seeming contradictory way of thinking, I believe the problems of Guild Wars will actually help make GW2 a better game.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Zinger314
Another thought came up; what if the PvE skills are essential to solving dungeons? Would that force us to PuG and make H/Hing impossible? I agree it's speculation, but the PvE-only skills appear to be a cause of uncertainity.
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However, the skills to detect secret doors and such might help so much that you might as well max them out. The question is: Does wanting to do something equal grind?!? I think not.
EDIT: Oh, and I don't think Sylvari will be introduced in GWEN, accept maybe in the very end. Can you confirm where you heard about Sylvari skills?
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Roshi_ikkyu
Short answer SF help stave the masses revolt till factions, GWEN will have prevent a large percent of players leaving. But sadly I see less and less beta-era players around. GW isn't what there into any more, thank god that almost monthly there are new players joining.
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Anyway, this isn't WoW that needs people to pay $15 a month. Anet just needs people to buy the product. That's it. The consumer can play it only once, and Anet got what they wanted.
I predict no matter how GWEN sells, people will still buy GW2. In fact, sales of GWEN might be lower than other Chapters because:
1) it's an expansion, and so will only appeal to existing customers
2) people know Guild Wars (as we know it) is ending (no more Chapters)
It will be interesting to see how it sells, but I don't think Anet is relying on stellar sales to fund GW2... at least, I hope not!
Jaher Dal
Renew? Like how?
I have been happily playing Guild Wars since I got Nightfall as a gift from my wife for Christmas.
I even liked it so much, I went out and bought Prophecies and Factions.
I've made many friends on it, who also have no problems with the game.
I am a somewhat casual player, I play when I can.
I've not tried PVP, but love PVE, and actually have meet a lot of cool newer players in the past 2-3 weeks.
The game has always been nothing but fun, and with all the professions, I don't see how one can be bored with it.
There's so many funky things you can do.
If the game is no longer fun for people, they should really just stop playing.
I have been happily playing Guild Wars since I got Nightfall as a gift from my wife for Christmas.
I even liked it so much, I went out and bought Prophecies and Factions.
I've made many friends on it, who also have no problems with the game.
I am a somewhat casual player, I play when I can.
I've not tried PVP, but love PVE, and actually have meet a lot of cool newer players in the past 2-3 weeks.
The game has always been nothing but fun, and with all the professions, I don't see how one can be bored with it.
There's so many funky things you can do.
If the game is no longer fun for people, they should really just stop playing.
assassin_of_ni
i already have GW:EN Pre-ordered and whatnot...i think i will place it through once with my ranger just to offer up some closure and let him die in peace ^_^ ill still hang around for holiday events cause they are always awesome (although WoW holidays are quite a bit of fun too...and there are a lot more) *cough* but thats neither here nor there. after that whether i get gw2 will probably be a question whether or not im still playing WoW or if i get into warhammer or whatever....i may just give my account to my wife or to an old friend who i know wont just use it as a bank.
Bryant Again
Something that is on my mind, I'll admit, is whether these new skills will be able to be used by heroes or not, especially if they're essential. How's that for PUG incentive? lol.
WarKaster
I'm looking forward to GW:EN, especially if the Dungeons are on par with Sorrow's Furnace.
As for the grinding you people are complaining about...I got level 8 sun spear and level 5 light bringer playing through the game normally. And I am increasing levels by going though and helping friends with certain areas or missions or by Vanquishing areas with friends who have already beat the game such as I have.
Things only become a grind if you absolutely positively need to have something maxed out because it will increase your 1337 status or the size of your e-peen. You guys grind because you want to not because you have to.
As for the grinding you people are complaining about...I got level 8 sun spear and level 5 light bringer playing through the game normally. And I am increasing levels by going though and helping friends with certain areas or missions or by Vanquishing areas with friends who have already beat the game such as I have.
Things only become a grind if you absolutely positively need to have something maxed out because it will increase your 1337 status or the size of your e-peen. You guys grind because you want to not because you have to.
Free Runner
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Zinger314
That's what was said in the Dev chat. 5 Factions (Dwarves, Charr, Asura, Norn, Sylvari, I think), 10 PvE-only skills each faction.
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Quote:
| Another thought came up; what if the PvE skills are essential to solving dungeons? Would that force us to PuG and make H/Hing impossible? I agree it's speculation, but the PvE-only skills appear to be a cause of uncertainity. |
Quote:
| One of the key things about these PvE only skills, there's kind of two key things. One is that they're tied to your reputation with these NPC groups that get more powerful the more reputation you gain with them and the higher your rank is. The other thing is that we understand how people like to play the game and people don't like builds dictated to them, so at no point during Eye of the North that you will have to equip some PvE skills to get past a certain encounter. The PvE skills are there just to deepen your experience and to give you more options in how you play the game. |
Quote:
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Originally Posted by TabascoSauce
QFT.
This is mere speculation, but the PvE only skills will be given by the other races? And each one will have their own grind track, of course. Thanks! TabascoSauce |
Healers Wisper
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Kakumei
I don't think it needs renewing????
Evidently that's just me! |
As for PvP, I dont care, I just wish their balance issues wern't our problems
ultima
nah don't let the hero use also pve only skills its more fun to play with humans ^^. since some pve only skills are pretty good and usefull also, almost a must in your skill bar (paragon sunspear pve only skill)
Series
Quote:
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Originally Posted by TabascoSauce
QFT.
This is mere speculation, but the PvE only skills will be given by the other races? And each one will have their own grind track, of course. Thanks! TabascoSauce |
viper008
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Bryant Again
Time will tell.
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TabascoSauce
@Lyra & Free_Runner
I agree, Sunspear is less....intrusive....than Lux/Kurz. If they implement it in the story, then good on them. Most likely, they will have the story get you to a basic level in each skill, and then grind grind grind - if you choose to.
@Zinger
I had not read the dev chats. That was speculation on my part. I can only say that most likely, the mobs will be 26th and up, with half cast times that we now have uber new skills to beat them down with.
I dunno Zinger, I was not impressed with HM or DoA. Their engine is probably limited in what the AI can do - and while the AI and graphics were impressive back in 2005, now with advancing technology it is showing age. I am not criticizing either one, but putting it into perspective.
As far as I can tell, the fanbase who have been playing the game for years keeps asking them for more content, is forcing ANet towards grind to satisfy them. If I was a new player, I would be staggered by the amount of work I would have to do to become "accepted" into a good PuG and carry my weight relative to other players.
IOW, I'd agree that EotN will have more of the recent trend. What do you think, Zinger?
Thanks!
TabascoSauce
I agree, Sunspear is less....intrusive....than Lux/Kurz. If they implement it in the story, then good on them. Most likely, they will have the story get you to a basic level in each skill, and then grind grind grind - if you choose to.
@Zinger
I had not read the dev chats. That was speculation on my part. I can only say that most likely, the mobs will be 26th and up, with half cast times that we now have uber new skills to beat them down with.
I dunno Zinger, I was not impressed with HM or DoA. Their engine is probably limited in what the AI can do - and while the AI and graphics were impressive back in 2005, now with advancing technology it is showing age. I am not criticizing either one, but putting it into perspective.
As far as I can tell, the fanbase who have been playing the game for years keeps asking them for more content, is forcing ANet towards grind to satisfy them. If I was a new player, I would be staggered by the amount of work I would have to do to become "accepted" into a good PuG and carry my weight relative to other players.
IOW, I'd agree that EotN will have more of the recent trend. What do you think, Zinger?
Thanks!
TabascoSauce
MSecorsky
They've already announced Charr with two classes that use spells from both classes.
Sweet.
Sweet.
Star Gazer
ah, the joys of people saying 'guild wars is fine the way it is'. Those are the quotes of:
a) newer players
b) older players who don't have time to play (which is not a downside at all, family/RL > GW ANY day of the week)
c) fake people trying to be the 'hero' of the forums.
Guild Wars has lost its luster since April of 05. Period. The game is redundant, and doing it 10 times on my chars was no fun. At all. I did it so I can have 'completion' and the skills associated with them. While GWEN MIGHT be fun for a bit, I think 18 dungeons will...overdo the entire concept. Its kinda like factions in the city...I could not WAIT to get out of that place, it seemed like it went on and on and on and on. Prophecies was MUCH better at this point..you did a few missions, and you were off seeing a new landscape. ANet has a lot of making up to do if I am to buy GW2. I will buy GWEN so I can atleast see the ending, but starting a whole new game isn't appealing to me. Just my 2 cents
a) newer players
b) older players who don't have time to play (which is not a downside at all, family/RL > GW ANY day of the week)
c) fake people trying to be the 'hero' of the forums.
Guild Wars has lost its luster since April of 05. Period. The game is redundant, and doing it 10 times on my chars was no fun. At all. I did it so I can have 'completion' and the skills associated with them. While GWEN MIGHT be fun for a bit, I think 18 dungeons will...overdo the entire concept. Its kinda like factions in the city...I could not WAIT to get out of that place, it seemed like it went on and on and on and on. Prophecies was MUCH better at this point..you did a few missions, and you were off seeing a new landscape. ANet has a lot of making up to do if I am to buy GW2. I will buy GWEN so I can atleast see the ending, but starting a whole new game isn't appealing to me. Just my 2 cents
Bryant Again
Quote:
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Originally Posted by ultima
nah don't let the hero use also pve only skills its more fun to play with humans ^^. since some pve only skills are pretty good and usefull also, almost a must in your skill bar (paragon sunspear pve only skill)
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If the skills are essential, and not usuable by people, what then? You want me to go find a Pug? What if there's no one in the outpost?
Mordakai
I would hope they'd learn from mistakes in Nightfall.
Of course, what I consider "mistakes", may not be viewed as mistakes by all!
In my view, the "branching storyline" was a crock. It really didn't branch at all, it was juts two ways to get to the same point - a point quickly connected to both paths! I was really hoping for a "dark" and "light" storyline in Nightfall - one where you join Varesh and conquer Elonia, the other where you defeat her. But, it was probably too complicated to implement.
I didn't mind the Sunspear points, they leveled pretty quick. I do hope that the Race points discussed for GWEN have more ways to get them than just completing quests and killing monsters - the games seem a natural way to get points. And maybe we could "find" points in hidden rooms in the Dungeons... (by finding lost artifacts or something... but, wait, that would just be a FedEx quest! Arghh, Abaddon is feasting on my eyes!!!)
Of course, what I consider "mistakes", may not be viewed as mistakes by all!
In my view, the "branching storyline" was a crock. It really didn't branch at all, it was juts two ways to get to the same point - a point quickly connected to both paths! I was really hoping for a "dark" and "light" storyline in Nightfall - one where you join Varesh and conquer Elonia, the other where you defeat her. But, it was probably too complicated to implement.
I didn't mind the Sunspear points, they leveled pretty quick. I do hope that the Race points discussed for GWEN have more ways to get them than just completing quests and killing monsters - the games seem a natural way to get points. And maybe we could "find" points in hidden rooms in the Dungeons... (by finding lost artifacts or something... but, wait, that would just be a FedEx quest! Arghh, Abaddon is feasting on my eyes!!!)