I loaded it right up (was impressed both with the install speed AND the quickness with which it loads). I had already been reading the forums, so I knew what I wanted to try first.
I created my first character, a warrior, and ran some quests. I did all of the 2nd class quests to "unlock" the basic skills for PvP chars. And then I deleted my character and started over. Several times
Fine, I did this a bunch until I found a character that I liked (still playing it), and then ran through pre-searing Ascalon. Did all of the big quests (got the belt pouch and the signet) and ran a bunch of other stuff.
Didn't find it that entertaining, though. Was kinda "eh" like Diablo II was. (I never loved D2 that much either, though I played it).
Was in post-searing ascalon and ran some quests, got some skills, went up some levels. I had a blast in the lvl 20 PvP arena (PvP only character, of course). Didn't find the game so hot.
And then I ran the missions. And that changed everything. Yesterday I ran the first 4 missions (up to the monestary) with a pickup group. I had a blast. Good group (we had one fighter who kept charging into things by himself, but none of us died because of it), and had lots of fun.
Now I think the game is terrific. The missions really added a powerful draw. I just wish that they would have started sooner, and would have been more self explanatory. A lot of early players probably will get disillusioned if they aren't stubborn enough to keep running them.
I hope ArenaNet adds some more *real* content to pre-searing Ascalon. Even some *real* missions with cinematics and a good story line. Something to immerse starting players into the game. Immersion is what makes the game better than EQ2 or Linneage 2 (though I recognize that it is a very different animal).
--kravi
P.S. Sorry about the long text. I'm feeling loquacious today.
EDIT = changed immersion comparisons.