Guild Wars

[Crandaeolon]

Quote[/b] ]the graphics are a slight step up from neverwinter nights

I'd give it a little more credit. It looks much better than NWN IMO, and the environs are fully 3D instead of NWN's pseudo-elevations. Machine requirements are pretty low considering the graphics quality.

I don't like the invisible walls that exist in some places, though. Not a big problem, but I'd still like to be able to jump down from ledges etc...

Quote[/b] ]the downside is, sometimes it's fun to compete with other teams or have them around. and with this system, you're prevented from that, except in the arena.

AFAIK, the retail version supposedly _focuses_ on competition against other player teams. It's also supposed to have integrated clan support with player-owned guildhalls and suchlike. And it actually sounds possible with the instanced-mission structure they're using for the game...

Quote[/b] ]currently, during this demonstration period, you're only allowed to reach level 15, and that can be done in a couple of hours.

Incorrect. You _start_ at level 15 and can't gain any more levels. You can gain skill points, though.

Quote[/b] ]the skill system is a bit odd. i mean, it works, but they put some serious limits on the things you've earned.

As I understand it, that's sort of the point. They're intentionally limiting powerplayers so that the more casual players can be competitive against them.

Quote[/b] ] i also dont like the skill gem system that much. learning a skill shldnt require an artifical means like finding a certain gem.

Agreed. If they want to steer the game away from munchkinism, why do they include things like skills that are rarer than others? Oh well. I guess they're trying to cater to everyone. Which may not be a good thing.

Quote[/b] ]the game is fairly fun, but i can see where it's going to get a bit boring after 30 missions and 1000 creatures killed.

I think they're counting on the game's focus on PvP and clan vs. clan aspects in maintaining interest. I'll definitely steer clear of GW if it appears to degenerate into endless level grind.

Quote[/b] ]playing is rather straight forward and maybe just a bit too simplistic, particularly in combat.
...
and another minor annoyance i found was that the non-magic classes use a lot of magic. d'oh uh, so the reason for playing a magic class again was what?

Well, I found the combat quite interesting when human teams fought others. It was also much faster-paced than soloing against monsters.

Good reasons to use a magic class are higher energy reserves to cast spells from and higher attributes, which translate into more damage and longer-lasting effects.