Guild Wars: Special Edition - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

pfb

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

UK

17 Oct 2005 at 04:46 - 1

http://www.play.com/play247.asp?pa=s...C&title=741913

Quote:

In addition to an exclusive brand-new exquisite 72-page book filled with never-before-seen artwork, a map of the game world, combined manual and story book, and 30 minutes of new music written exclusively for this release, the Guild Wars Special Edition will also include a key that provides the player with a limited number of skill and item unlocks, which can be applied to an existing account or act as a fast-start package for a beginner.

Due for release on 21/10/2005

Anyone have any info on this?

RTSFirebat

The Humanoid Typhoon

Join Date: May 2005

UK

Servants of Fortuna [SoF]

R/

17 Oct 2005 at 05:04 - 2

Does this come with Divine Aura? If it does I may consider buying this.

Aracos79

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jun 2005

The Great Southwest

Shadowstorm Mercenaries

E/

17 Oct 2005 at 05:11 - 3

Isn't this just the Euro version of the Special Edition that was released in the US?

pfb

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

UK

17 Oct 2005 at 05:35 - 4

I don't know - can't find any more info than what is on that page...

Wrt to the US SE - how was the skill/item unlock handled?

One and Two

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Aug 2005

17 Oct 2005 at 05:43 - 5

I really couldn't care...

But Divine Aura should be able to be bought for like 10 bucks.

Alex Weekes

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Mar 2005

Brighton, UK

17 Oct 2005 at 13:38 - 6

Let's see if I can answer some of your questions

.

Quote:

Anyone have any info on this?

The Special Edition is a new release of Guild Wars. When the game first launched there was a standard edition and the Collector's Edition (CE). Both the standard and CE were available in Europe and America.

The Special Edition is a new edition that will be available in Europe (I'm not sure about America).

Quote:

Does this come with Divine Aura? If it does I may consider buying this.

The Special Edition does not include the Divine Aura. The Divine Aura is exclusively available to CE owners only. The Special Edition does, however, have some exclusive features not available in other editions.

Quote:

Isn't this just the Euro version of the Special Edition that was released in the US?

I'm assuming you are actually talking about the Collector's Edition that was available from when Guild Wars launched. If that is the case, then no. The Collector's Edition and Special Edition are two different products.
____

Additional information:

The Special Edition is being released for the first time later this week and will include:

* A brand new artbook containing new concept art not seen previously.
* A map of the game world (paper map, a larger version of the map shown in the manual).
* Access to new music.
* A code that you will be able to apply to your game account to receive skill and item unlocks.

Hanuman li Tosh

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Sep 2005

garden of the gods, CO

Over Powered

N/

17 Oct 2005 at 14:04 - 7

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aracos79

Isn't this just the Euro version of the Special Edition that was released in the US?

both us and eu games are identical.

Elena

Desert Nomad

Join Date: May 2005

Belgium

17 Oct 2005 at 14:46 - 8

i think i might buy this oh dear god how i need a paper map and not minimize gw each time i wanna show me the way sigh...

Snowman

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Apr 2005

Wales, UK

Devils Scorpions

W/E

17 Oct 2005 at 15:19 - 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Weekes

The Special Edition is being released for the first time later this week and will include:

* A brand new artbook containing new concept art not seen previously.
* A map of the game world (paper map, a larger version of the map shown in the manual).
* Access to new music.
* A code that you will be able to apply to your game account to receive skill and item unlocks.

I dont think this would be worth getting if you already have the collectors.

New artwork book... would be nice, but not that botherd.

A larger version of the map.. not botherd at all. (paper!?)

new music... would be nice. does this cause lock-ups the same as Direct song does?

A code that will alow you to unlock items and skills... sounds interesting, but is probably only going to be more usefull to newbies..

I do wonder how many skills and items are unlocked, or do you get a choice?

this looks like their christmas strategy, not bad

I'll still probably get it... you can never have enough guildwars accounts

ozz

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Jul 2005

17 Oct 2005 at 15:25 - 10

Quote:

Originally Posted by One and Two

I really couldn't care...

But Divine Aura should be able to be bought for like 10 bucks.

I disagree. Divine Aura is UNIQUE to the Collectors Edition and obtainable no other way and should be obtainable no other way. I chose to buy the Collectors Edition and rightly received Divine Aura for any character I created with a Collectors Edition Account.

DavenXion

Academy Page

Join Date: May 2005

Huntsville, AL

Xion Nights

W/N

17 Oct 2005 at 16:54 - 11

wish I could toggle Divine Aura though. Sometimes you just want a pic of your character waving and be able to see their hands.

nihilous

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Sep 2005

Somewhere between the living and the dead.

17 Oct 2005 at 21:42 - 12

Back when i started guildwars i thought that you obtained this divine aura when you got infused....

Man i was disapointed when i figured out all it does was protect against the mursaat.

Chance Folly

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Apr 2005

E/Mo

17 Oct 2005 at 21:54 - 13

Right when I think I'm done with Guild Wars purchases for the year, you send me a curveball like this. Darn you, Anet!!!

Ah well, at least it may never be released in America, giving me no way to acquire it... And even if it is released in America, I suppose I need the character slots.

Question: Will the item unlocks give you a PvE item, or just the standard PvP unlock? And the skill unlocks?

MarkyX

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Jul 2005

18 Oct 2005 at 01:29 - 14

Skill unlocks? Item unlocks?

Is it ALL the items and skills? What this influenced by a "Tournament Edition" idea on Weapon of Choice?

10 bucks to unlock the entire game. Think of the revenue!

LifeInfusion

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: May 2005

in the midline

E/Mo

18 Oct 2005 at 01:53 - 15

Lol. I have everything unlocked.

The art is on the website, anyway. Divien aura just screws up your ingame pictures. A map is online on MANY game sites.

Snowman

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Apr 2005

Wales, UK

Devils Scorpions

W/E

18 Oct 2005 at 13:52 - 16

Quote:

Originally Posted by LifeInfusion

Lol. I have everything unlocked.

The art is on the website, anyway. Divien aura just screws up your ingame pictures. A map is online on MANY game sites.

yea, I dont think its worth buying just to unlock.. and I doubt they would have unlocked elites anyway.

I Disagree about the aura "screws up your ingame pictures"... in years to come when say 5million copies have been sold, you AND your ingame pictures are gona look pretty special!

no.. I dont think it spoils at all, it enhances if anything, but its a matter of opinion I suppose, but, as there is a difference of opinion a toggle would be nice.

Maybe they could spice it up... perhaps put a mission in underworld or FoW whose reward unlocks a toggle feature for both capes and auras.

Alex Weekes

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Mar 2005

Brighton, UK

18 Oct 2005 at 17:39 - 17

Quote:

Originally Posted by LifeInfusion

The art is on the website, anyway.

The art in the Special Edition artbook is mostly never-before-seen and most definitely not on the website. It's a wonderful little book with a lot of great images and concept art.

The unlocks you receive are for your PvP characters. And no, it is not a full account unlock. It will be, however, a great way for a new player to get a jumpstart into PvP by unlocking the specific character build they would like to play.

corax5

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Apr 2005

Ye olde England.

18 Oct 2005 at 17:48 - 18

It sounds like a good idea, but it seems somehow unfair that people who paid more for the CE especially for the art book etc will have to pay even more to get special stuff. (Although i'll still buy it.)

Snowman

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Apr 2005

Wales, UK

Devils Scorpions

W/E

18 Oct 2005 at 18:26 - 19

Quote:

Originally Posted by corax5

It sounds like a good idea, but it seems somehow unfair that people who paid more for the CE especially for the art book etc will have to pay even more to get special stuff. (Although i'll still buy it.)

It does at first, but then I calculated how much money I have saved by playing guildwars instead of CoH for 6 months.

If I remember you can assign a new key to your existing account.... does anyone know how this works?.. I mean, I know how to add the key.. but would it be better to create a new account with your second copy of guildwars?

Sanji

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2005

Mo/

18 Oct 2005 at 18:34 - 20

Quote:

Originally Posted by corax5

It sounds like a good idea, but it seems somehow unfair that people who paid more for the CE especially for the art book etc will have to pay even more to get special stuff. (Although i'll still buy it.)

To be honest, this doesn't sound like it's targetting people who have already bought the game as much as new players. Also, the amount of unlocks this edition with may not be all that substantial as much as a nice boost for people just getting into Guild Wars, especially for PvP.

Vortex Elegy

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: May 2005

Den Haag, The Netherlands

Xen of Onslaught

Mo/

21 Oct 2005 at 11:13 - 21

I allready own the CE and want to buy this SE as well (collector's thing, I got it the same with dvd's and cd's)

I do have the same question as Snowman. Can I just add the key to my CE account and what will happen with the Divine aura and other unlocked items. They will only be accessible per account or can I see the DA as well on the SE?

And since my CE account is allready in a clan, the SE will be too?

Caelus The Fallen

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

Glasgow

Voice of the Darkness

E/Mo

21 Oct 2005 at 12:36 - 22

I believe if you add a SE key to a CE account, you will add any extra SE features to the CE account, but you will only have 1 account with 4 character slots! Whereas if you use the SE key in its own right, you would have 2 4-character accounts, one with CE features, the other with SE features. So adding the key to an existing account is probably a bad idea.

Vortex Elegy

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: May 2005

Den Haag, The Netherlands

Xen of Onslaught

Mo/

21 Oct 2005 at 15:08 - 23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caelus The Fallen

I believe if you add a SE key to a CE account, you will add any extra SE features to the CE account, but you will only have 1 account with 4 character slots! Whereas if you use the SE key in its own right, you would have 2 4-character accounts, one with CE features, the other with SE features. So adding the key to an existing account is probably a bad idea.

Hmm, that would be crap. That would mean I have to install the SE somewhere else or something?

Can anyone from Anet (or another official) confirm or deny this?

Alex Weekes

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Mar 2005

Brighton, UK

21 Oct 2005 at 15:19 - 24

OK, here's how the SE works... You get three keys in the box:

1) An Access Key for creating a new account. That's all it does, create an account - same as the Standard Edition.

2) A Skill Pack Code. You can use this code on your new SE account, or on another account you already own. It will grant you 7 normal skill unlocks, 1 elite unlock, 1 rune unlock and 1 weapon upgrade unlock. You redeem these unlocks in the same way you redeem Faction - by visiting a Priest of Balthazar.

3) A code for access to music from Direct Song.

Seissor

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Aug 2005

Squiggilyville. Population: Me.

[oRly] Hello Kitty Death Squad

R/Me

21 Oct 2005 at 15:25 - 25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vortex Elegy

Hmm, that would be crap. That would mean I have to install the SE somewhere else or something?

Can anyone from Anet (or another official) confirm or deny this?

you dont install anywhere, your data is stored ONLINE, not on your PC. so if u formatted ur pc, and re-installed GW, ur account is still fine and working where u left it.

When you turn on GW you'll notice you can either log on, or click create new account. Or you could log on and then EDIT your account.

to upgrade an account to SE (still 4 chars) log in Edit account, change cd key.

to make a new account so you have two 4 char accounts. turn on GW click create new account.

Caelus The Fallen

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

Glasgow

Voice of the Darkness

E/Mo

21 Oct 2005 at 15:26 - 26

Cool, thanks for the clarification; so hypothetically one could use the SE stuff on their existing account, and still use the SE to make another account.
Very excellent. My copy shipped yesterday, so hopefully I'll have it soon

and I think I'll be using the unlocks on my CE account, since its already partially unlocked, and I the account that I'll keep a PvP slot on.

User Name

Banned

Join Date: Sep 2005

21 Oct 2005 at 15:26 - 27

While this might seem pretty usefull to people in hindsight I can only imagine that 99% of the people who purchase the SE will waste their unlocks on useless skills without knowing the skills are useless. I can't imagine this helping people "jump into pvp"

Jetdoc

Hell's Protector

Join Date: Jul 2005

The Eyes of Texas [BEVO]

D/A

21 Oct 2005 at 15:33 - 28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Weekes

2) A Skill Pack Code. You can use this code on your new SE account, or on another account you already own. It will grant you 7 normal skill unlocks, 1 elite unlock, 1 rune unlock and 1 weapon upgrade unlock. You redeem these unlocks in the same way you redeem Faction - by visiting a Priest of Balthazar.

So no NEW items or skills...just quicker unlocks for PvP. Gotcha.

Pevil Lihatuh

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Apr 2005

Yorkshire, UK

R/Me

21 Oct 2005 at 16:30 - 29

just bought it today to get a second account

Not tried the unlock codes or anything yet. However the map is totally worthless. It doesn' htave town names on, it's just some weird green LotR style thing. The art book is ok. If you like looking through concept art. Otherwise it's just the same ole GW pack.

Oh and the only reason I spent the extra £5 on it, is coz rather than spend £30 on the key itself from the site, I work in a game shop and get 30% discount, so ended up paying only £24

Good for someone new, for a second account I'd say don't waste your money (unless you really want the skills)

Zakarr

Jungle Guide

Join Date: May 2005

Finland

21 Oct 2005 at 16:38 - 30

play.com has normal GW version for £17.99

I don't see the point why anyone would want to buy a key from the site. Well, if you can't wait for the delivery but...

Omega_2005

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

UK, or is it? *confused*

A/Rt

21 Oct 2005 at 16:55 - 31

hmm, after hearing this I'll be fine with the accounts I've got, thanks for letting people like me know!

Trader Johannes

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Oct 2005

21 Oct 2005 at 21:13 - 32

Wow, I posted my question at sixish and by tenish I get a very clear and concise answer! Thanks for the quick response. At first I was like "wtf why did they close my thread?"!

Excellent customer service so far from Anet. Woot!

melbo

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Aug 2005

New York

E/Mo

24 Oct 2005 at 01:43 - 33

Is there a site where you can buy this and have it shipped to the US? I'm planning on getting a second account, and I might decide to get this...if I can.

EDIT: Nevermind, apparently its being released on the 25th here, at least according to B&N: http://videogames.barnesandnoble.com...03098545&Itm=7

Vortex Elegy

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: May 2005

Den Haag, The Netherlands

Xen of Onslaught

Mo/

25 Oct 2005 at 07:00 - 34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Weekes

OK, here's how the SE works... You get three keys in the box:

1) An Access Key for creating a new account. That's all it does, create an account - same as the Standard Edition.

2) A Skill Pack Code. You can use this code on your new SE account, or on another account you already own. It will grant you 7 normal skill unlocks, 1 elite unlock, 1 rune unlock and 1 weapon upgrade unlock. You redeem these unlocks in the same way you redeem Faction - by visiting a Priest of Balthazar.

3) A code for access to music from Direct Song.

So basically, it is like the "standard edition" but with access to skills and the music pak.

If I understand your reply, the SE just add a new account to my allready existing CE account. Then with the two other keys I can unlock other stuff, but it is not bound to SE or CE. In other words, the SE will not be a "pure" addition to the CE but is an account on it's own. Which means that I can have a total of 8(eight) chars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seissor

you dont install anywhere, your data is stored ONLINE, not on your PC. so if u formatted ur pc, and re-installed GW, ur account is still fine and working where u left it.

When you turn on GW you'll notice you can either log on, or click create new account. Or you could log on and then EDIT your account.

to upgrade an account to SE (still 4 chars) log in Edit account, change cd key.

to make a new account so you have two 4 char accounts. turn on GW click create new account.

So I don't have to install the SE. Just add the (or the three) keys on my account manager.

There's one thing. I run GW using the -password=blahblah option. When I was @ my gf, I made 2 quicklaunches, one for her and one for me. Each which the appropriate pw. However, when I played first and then she would, we still got a warning that the password was incorrect, even when we used our own quicklaunch.
How does that work with let's say my CE and SE quicklaunch? Is it a bad idea just to give them the same pw?

(sorry about replying this late, was pretty busy)

Sheriff Bullock

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Apr 2005

Deadwood, SD

Diabolus Ex Machina [DEXM]

R/E

25 Oct 2005 at 20:39 - 35

Quote:

3) A code for access to music from Direct Song.

Is this all new music, or are the tracks already available with Direct Song's other releases (Special Edition, Sorrow's Furnace, Battle Pak 1...)?

Caelus The Fallen

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

Glasgow

Voice of the Darkness

E/Mo

25 Oct 2005 at 23:00 - 36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vortex Elegy

So I don't have to install the SE. Just add the (or the three) keys on my account manager.

There's one thing. I run GW using the -password=blahblah option. When I was @ my gf, I made 2 quicklaunches, one for her and one for me. Each which the appropriate pw. However, when I played first and then she would, we still got a warning that the password was incorrect, even when we used our own quicklaunch.
How does that work with let's say my CE and SE quicklaunch? Is it a bad idea just to give them the same pw?

(sorry about replying this late, was pretty busy)

No, dont do that, click Create Account at the log in screen; i dont think adding the SE key to your existing account will work properly (since adding a CE key to a standard edition doesnt - this just adds divine aura to the old account, and is otherwise a waste).

The SE also comes with the soundtrack CD (identical content to the CE), and the direct song thing on the CD sleeve downloads the wma files correspionding to the CD music + 4 bonus tracks. It seens to me that only about half of the soundtrack was actually in-game before, as the extra music is noticeable.

I recommend listening to all the wma files before use. My copy kept crashing whenever I stepped into Wizard's Folly, on playing the music in Windows Media Player, I found that the track that plays there wasnt working right (it would end prematurely, and get an orange '!' beside it). I deleted this file, and re-ran the installer program; problem solved.

EternalTempest

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Jun 2005

United States

Dark Side Ofthe Moon [DSM]

E/

25 Oct 2005 at 23:00 - 37

I want that direct sound code

(30 min of new music for this release)

I notice some new music that's not in any of the three direct sound packs. I bet it's those.

I may get this.. and give the 2nd account to a friend and take the rest

that's if I can afford it.

Sheriff Bullock

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Apr 2005

Deadwood, SD

Diabolus Ex Machina [DEXM]

R/E

26 Oct 2005 at 03:54 - 38

Quote:

The SE also comes with the soundtrack CD (identical content to the CE), and the direct song thing on the CD sleeve downloads the wma files correspionding to the CD music + 4 bonus tracks.

So to confirm: there is no new music with the European Special Edition? If you've purchased the Special Edition Soundtrack V.2 at directsong.com, you already have what's included?

Caelus The Fallen

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

Glasgow

Voice of the Darkness

E/Mo

26 Oct 2005 at 07:33 - 39

I dont know whats on the V2 soundtrack, but the SE code has the standard soundtrack, plus First Light, The Elementalist, A Warrior's Heart and Beyond the Ocean. Hope that helps.

The Pirate

Academy Page

Join Date: Aug 2005

Demon Armie

N/W

26 Oct 2005 at 11:19 - 40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Weekes

OK, here's how the SE works... You get three keys in the box:

1) An Access Key for creating a new account. That's all it does, create an account - same as the Standard Edition.

2) A Skill Pack Code. You can use this code on your new SE account, or on another account you already own. It will grant you 7 normal skill unlocks, 1 elite unlock, 1 rune unlock and 1 weapon upgrade unlock. You redeem these unlocks in the same way you redeem Faction - by visiting a Priest of Balthazar.

3) A code for access to music from Direct Song.

is this upgrade pack only for PvP purpose? or can PvE use it to?