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...
Why Should I purchase GWEN?
Henchman
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.
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
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.
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
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".
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
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.
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
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.
I'd take Factions over GWEN just for the PvP angle. New classes, some essential PvP skills.
Molock
Oh god.. please don't waste your money on that crap...
Factions is better...
Title Wars ftl...
Factions is better...
Title Wars ftl...
Kook~NBK~
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.
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
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!!!
Two words.... SNOWMAN DUNGEON!!!
Harmless
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.
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
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
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.
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
...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
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.
Save your money for beer.
Juicey Shake
to feed the paycheck they for some reason to decide to give gaile gray
acidic
get factions over gwen.
Stolen Souls
^I agree. Factions>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>GWEN
Never would have thought I'd be saying that. -_-
Never would have thought I'd be saying that. -_-
Epinephrine
Factions>GW:EN indeed.
GW:EN isn't bad, but Factions brings a lot more to the table.
GW:EN isn't bad, but Factions brings a lot more to the table.
darktyco
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
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.
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.
Nevin
Yes, Factions is worldly better then GW:EN, simply because its content although not as new, is much more professional.
Shadowfox1125
Generally, this is a poor question to ask. If you're seeing all the complaints in the GWEN forum, and you're not liking what you're hearing about in GWEN, then don't buy it. Plus, you don't have Factions yet, so go buy that before you even decide about purchasing GWEN. I agree with what ppl are saying that Factions is better than GWEN, but c'mon, GWEN's an expansion, and Factions is a campaign.
twicky_kid
Absolutely nothing good for PvP. Only 2 skills are even seeing play at all and they are not very common.
Navaros
Quote:
Originally Posted by Henchman
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?
2. A few new non-elite skills. Other than that, nothing.
3. Not really anything new in the gameplay. Pretty much the same exact gameplay as in all the previous GW games. The story is presented a bit differently but that's not actually gameplay itself.
aldricsedia
I think purchasing GWEN is a good idea since the dev team worked so hard on it = =
haggus71
I agree with others on getting Factions before GWEN. For ten bucks more(same price in some places) you can get a complete game, with useful elites. Hell, for a necro Spoil Victor alone is enough of a reason to get it. If you like PvP they did a lot in factions to try and stem the tide of PvE swamping the game; an exercise in futility, it seems.
Like they said, if you like pretty scenery and nice cut scenes, GWEN has a lot for you. Otherwise, if you want challenging AI, you have Nightfall and the Realm of Torment in HM.
Like they said, if you like pretty scenery and nice cut scenes, GWEN has a lot for you. Otherwise, if you want challenging AI, you have Nightfall and the Realm of Torment in HM.
dunky_g
gwen rocks!
but yer get factions 1st
but yer get factions 1st
Vinraith
Factions is a very linear, very challenging traditional GW campaign. GWEN is a collection of new content centered around free exploration and dungeon delving that happens to include some repeatable, Titan and SF style quests that people have mistaken for the entire game for some reason (hence the "it's short" complaints, they mean the quests don't take long, but the quests aren't the bulk of the content so that's meaningless). They're incredibly different, practically polar opposites, and which you should get probably depends on what you like. For my part, I enjoy them both but find GWEN to be the more enjoyable play experience in general because Factions' straightjacketed linearity is annoying.
X Cytherea X
buy GW:EN! beautiful landscapes, fun hack n slash dungeon crawls, interesting characters, humorous dialogue, lots of nice little touches (henchmen interact with each other while in towns, lol)
contrary to what others say, there's lots to do unless you're a hardcore pve power/speed gamer; it's been 3 days and my quest log is still full
and there's a reason NOT to grind: the new armors are ugly (which is one of the few bad aspects)
contrary to what others say, there's lots to do unless you're a hardcore pve power/speed gamer; it's been 3 days and my quest log is still full
and there's a reason NOT to grind: the new armors are ugly (which is one of the few bad aspects)
wilebill
I agree with darktyco, do not get GWEN until you have played all three of the other titles. GWEN is a capstone, not a foundation.
hallomik
The only thing I would caution you about Factions vs. EotN is that everyone and his brother is playing GW:EN right now. It's a lot easier to get groups. Everything is new, so that spirit of exploration is very much alive. Over at Factions? Not so much.
In the abstract, I agree Factions is a more logical purchase. Right now, I would get GW:EN.
In the abstract, I agree Factions is a more logical purchase. Right now, I would get GW:EN.
Croco Clouds
GW:EN is worth for the heroes and dungeons
MithranArkanere
Only Air of Superriority alone makes it Worth it.
Punches
I'm digging GW:en so far. The gameplay and the way it's set up are alot of fun. It's short, but it also is less expensive than a full campaign, and much of the content can be enjoyed again and again.
I do wish there were elites to cap, as that has been something in the previous campaigns that I found the most enjoyable, but all in all I feel like it was money well spent and would recommend it to a fan of GW's PvE gameplay.
Doesn't seem to offer anything in the way of PvP, which doesn't bother me since I don't care for PvP to begin with.
On a side note, I HATED factions. I would only recommend buying it for the skills and elites. The gameplay and environments (aside from the kurzick areas) are downright bland and depressing IMO. However if you are interested in PvP I know AB is very popular and the game did offer more content for the PvP oriented gamer than the other 2 campaigns.
If you've got the cash, drop it on both of them and complete your GW collection, should keep you plenty busy till GW2 is released and if you enjoy GW from the two campaigns you own you're bound to enjoy the rest.
I do wish there were elites to cap, as that has been something in the previous campaigns that I found the most enjoyable, but all in all I feel like it was money well spent and would recommend it to a fan of GW's PvE gameplay.
Doesn't seem to offer anything in the way of PvP, which doesn't bother me since I don't care for PvP to begin with.
On a side note, I HATED factions. I would only recommend buying it for the skills and elites. The gameplay and environments (aside from the kurzick areas) are downright bland and depressing IMO. However if you are interested in PvP I know AB is very popular and the game did offer more content for the PvP oriented gamer than the other 2 campaigns.
If you've got the cash, drop it on both of them and complete your GW collection, should keep you plenty busy till GW2 is released and if you enjoy GW from the two campaigns you own you're bound to enjoy the rest.
6am3 Fana71c
Factions > EotN...?
I don't have GWEN yet, but it has to be total disaster for Factions to own it. Factions SUCK. Aside from Shing Jea island and maybe a bit of Kurzick / Luxon part, game is filled with stupid & depressing enviorment, irritating mobs, timed missions (which require you to leeroy more then you should) and so on. Yeah, there are some nice skills and AB included, but...
I don't have GWEN yet, but it has to be total disaster for Factions to own it. Factions SUCK. Aside from Shing Jea island and maybe a bit of Kurzick / Luxon part, game is filled with stupid & depressing enviorment, irritating mobs, timed missions (which require you to leeroy more then you should) and so on. Yeah, there are some nice skills and AB included, but...
Kryth
Becuz u kill lots of Charr
X Ice Man X
Why does everyone keep comparing EoTN to the other games.
It ISN'T another game, its just an expansion. If you buy it expecting another more than an expansion on what is already around then your tricking your self.
I think its good, its fun and its enjoyable.
It ISN'T another game, its just an expansion. If you buy it expecting another more than an expansion on what is already around then your tricking your self.
I think its good, its fun and its enjoyable.
FireFox
Why should i respond to this thread?
Etta
Why should you purchase Guild Wars: Eye of the North?
Because it's a bloody good expansion pack, no more no less.
Buy it and play it, like it? keep playing. Don't like it? QQ on guru.
Because it's a bloody good expansion pack, no more no less.
Buy it and play it, like it? keep playing. Don't like it? QQ on guru.
HawkofStorms
Quote:
Originally Posted by X Ice Man X
Why does everyone keep comparing EoTN to the other games.
It ISN'T another game, its just an expansion. If you buy it expecting another more than an expansion on what is already around then your tricking your self.
I think its good, its fun and its enjoyable. Well... how else are we supposed to judge it? I mean, unless a.net releases another expansion, there is no way to compare EotN to anything except the other GW chapters.
Its like seeing somebody figure skate for the first time in your life. Sure, it looked good, but what was it scored, a 8, a 9.5, a 6? Unless you know what to look for and are able to compare that skater's jumps to the theoretical perfect jump, you won't know how to score it. The ONLY way to do so fairly is to compare preformances to some sort of standard.
It ISN'T another game, its just an expansion. If you buy it expecting another more than an expansion on what is already around then your tricking your self.
I think its good, its fun and its enjoyable. Well... how else are we supposed to judge it? I mean, unless a.net releases another expansion, there is no way to compare EotN to anything except the other GW chapters.
Its like seeing somebody figure skate for the first time in your life. Sure, it looked good, but what was it scored, a 8, a 9.5, a 6? Unless you know what to look for and are able to compare that skater's jumps to the theoretical perfect jump, you won't know how to score it. The ONLY way to do so fairly is to compare preformances to some sort of standard.