Returning New

I'm thinking about playing Guild Wars again but I have a few questions.( Mainly in anticipation for GW2)

How is the population and community now? (Is there still players around for guilds and groups, and town chats etc)

I remember playing years back and this game had a great community, players helping each other, actually fun to play with other players, and a lot of motivation to always party.

Is this game soloable in terms of going through the story?

What is necessary to play this game? In other words what expansions, packs, is vent needed if in groups?

Yes its soloable. and during peak times there are ppl play with but most ppl prefer soloing nowadays.. ..

well u need to own some game to group with others for missions

But for elite missions what so ever u should have all campaings so u can have all skills required etc

Here are some recent threads about the GW population:
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/g...t10454241.html
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/d...t10454748.html

Yes, it is quite common to find people who don't partner with anyone and can complete entire campaigns.

If you have a campaign you can play the game, if you don't own the additional campaigns (Prophecies/Factions/Nightfall) or the expansion (Eye of the North) then you can't play those or access those areas. If you want to experience the entire game and story then you'll have to buy them all.

Ventrilo (or any voice communication) is not required for general grouping with players.