Meh, I cracked a few days ago when I noticed I had enough Power Up Reward Points to get the game without having to pay out any money. I haven't shopped at GS for a while so I figured I may as well use them so I'm completely done there. As expected the game is very, very good, and finally really quite easy to run. During beta it was horribly optimized; it didn't even run well on my new PC, not an issue at all now, fully maxed and using my GPU to get more out of it I'm cruising above 60 FPS.
I started as a Human Elementalist and got to 22 then made a Norn Guardian after I partied with one, finally, and thought, "sure would be nice to always have one around." So I figured I'd make one myself and, man, I'm so hooked on this class. I've gotten it to 34 and have no care in the world to play anything else, it's such a great class. I especially love the looks, the ability auras have little puzzle piece shapes, hearts, etc. on them, very reminiscent of something out of Alice in Wonderland.
I think this game is the perfect MMORPG. It's everything a good, fun MMORPG should have but minus any of the hassle. Not having to formally join groups is amazing, and since everyone benefits from helping, the level of co-op in the game is superb. I'm extremely glad that instead of going the normal MMORPG route, say like WoW, they've kept the game very skill based, both in PvE and PvP. If you're not generally always on your toes, no matter your level, you stand to get taken down a peg or two (within reason). The WvWvW reminds me very much of the awesome, awesome DAoC and that alone... my how I've missed that game over the years, for someone to "get it" and do it right at this point in time is a miracle and I'm very thankful GW2 gets it. As for the amount of content, my Lord, I'd be surprised, even at 100% map completion, people would have a hard time finding something fun to do, there is just so much content, far more than levels. And woo, the map points to "collect" on each map call out to my gaming OCD, I friggin' love them. I'm not a big fan of how Structured PvP works, but that's just a quirk of mine. I like to PVP in the items I gained from farming the world to get or make. That said, it's the perfect system for people interested in a near completely balanced system for PvP. Hard to knock it for providing such an expansive eSport type set-up there though, it just falls in line with this game providing something for everyone. Since WvWvW has the system I prefer, it's more like an added feature instead of a detraction.
I'd have to say, since the honeymoon period is over, this is probably the best MMORPG I've ever played, topping FFXI by a hair. I wake up early to play, I forsake any amount of healthy sleep, and I couldn't be more happy. Arenanet have really outdone themselves here. Moving forward, I don't see how anyone could compete with something like this. The level of quality is far superior to any other MMORPG out there, yet there is no sub fee. I enjoyed GW a lot, but I didn't expect this kind of transformation at all, again, they've really outdone themselves. I'll sort through some of my pictures later and add to the thread. Too busy rushing to get into my Galdiator set right now.
as has some westwood games I think (but I might be wrong) and ya... sure 50 is also standard, but many of the companies do sell at 60. Just not as frequently.
