Guild Wars: Factions...the MMORPG competition grow
May 8th 2006 11:55
Whilst a large chunk of online gamers around the globe devote their time (and money) to Blizzard’s MMORPG World of Warcraft, ArenaNet released their own interesting online RPG title named Guild Wars. This title was released last year and was quite successful due to its PVP elements, straightforward game play and one off payment.
This year ArenaNet has released an expansion pack (but also stand alone) to Guild Wars, titled Guild Wars: Factions. This addition allows players to move across Tyria (the original continent in first Guild Wars) and explore the new and beautiful Asian continent of Cantha.
Additionally, two new classes of characters can now be created in this expansion including an Assassin and Ritualist. In my opinion, this fills the void which GW gamers complained about when comparing character classes from WoW (Rogue and Warlock) to the original GW. Now their prayers have been answered.
This title is structured very similarly to the original. Players can either choose the role playing campaign or jump straight into player vs. player mode in set arenas. Players who take the time to play the story mode, will grasp the plot of Guild Wars and complete quests in order to increase their level. Since the maximum level is 20, some hardcore RPG gamers might feel ripped off, but this game is set on rewarding skill not time played.
At least that limits the *ahem* gold farmers which prosper in WoW!
Interestingly, characters who play the role playing element will not be disadvantaged against those who choose immediate PVP action and have a character automatically maxed out to level 20. Reason being: item rewards from doing the quests in RPG mode will produce stronger weapons, armour and other items. This gives the game a better balance.
ArenaNet has also added more focus on the actual war of guilds and hence the ‘Factions’ part of the game. Alliance battles are now playable where rival Guilds battle one another on a map with the main aim in taking over and controlling their enemy’s territory (something similar to what Blizzard done in WoW *hint* Artic Valley *hint*). This is a nice addition as winning guilds will be able to gain faction points and use them to acquire special rewards.
For those questioning whether or not a player in the original can move from Tyria to Cantha (original to expansion map) or vice versa, the answer is only if you own both games. In my view, this shouldn’t be a problem, since players from the original can still use their already created character in Cantha if they wish, and bring along all their items to boot.
Additionally, the one off payment for purchasing the expansion shouldn’t be that harsh, since there are no ongoing monthly fees like other MMORPGs.
I like this title, as it adds a bit more flavour to skill based online gaming instead of time based online gaming where the more hours you burn, the better items and income you get (also rolling a dice can be quite annoying don’t you think – yes I am a critic of WoW!).
This title is out now on the PC and I recommend it!
Check out the Official Guild Wars: Factions website.
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