I went through the Academy, again. I paid special attention to look for the NPC text while waiting outside the big doors. The fight with the other player characters was a trial by combat, to prove we have the skills to move out into the dangerous world at war.

I saw the “Searing” cut scene. Ah, I see, now! The game jumps three years ahead. The charr invaders have overwhelmed the human domain and seared the lands. I did not see this cut scene the first time I went to the Academy, I swear! Seeing it makes a big difference understanding what is going on. Maybe this is a bug in the game — missing the cut scene?

So, now that I’m past the beginner’s area, and I have actually adventured some in the regular game world. . . well, um, er, I’m not impressed. It’s just a glorified Diablo II without the audio for NPCs.

On the subject of audio for NPCs: This actually is a big annoyance to me. If I wanted to read a story, I’d open a book. I was hoping for a more full video/audio gaming experience. (I like to read books — I just don’t like to read in a game like this.) This is a glaring lack in a game otherwise so beautiful and immersive.

Anyway, back to the post-searing game. I’m seeing the same monsters, but with higher levels. The quests are still just “go see this NPC,” “go back to the other NPC.” The story isn’t exciting or personal when while you’re getting your quest from Tydus (where he calls you by name and says he’s been looking for you), there are five other PCs standing there and you know they are getting the exact same spiel.

Meh. I’ll play some more, to give it more chance to get good. But so far, it’s just not engaging. I want to like this game — I think/thought it would entertain me for several months. But, I’m just not . . . loving it.

The next time I play, I think I’ll try to ally with someone. I’ve allied twice now, for short runs of the “Over the Wall” quest in pre-Searing. Both times, the experience was decent (not necessarily better than solo play, but not bad).

Bullgrit
bullgrit@totalbullgrit.com

I installed Guild Wars (GW) last night, and put in a couple hours play time.

The game starts incredibly boring. Just a bunch of simple quests. Does this get better? More interesting?

The graphics are great. All the player characters are human, and they look clear and realistic. The scenery is beautiful, and the whole environment pulls you right into the world.

But. . .

The wandering monsters in the land are 1- not at all hostile, 2- incredibly stupid/blind. I feel kind of bad walking out of the city and just aggressing on some seemingly peaceful skales and grawls. I can walk right through a bunch of them, or stand among a herd, and none of them bother me. Then I attack one for no reason other than to get some xp and treasure. (NPCs give quests to go out and kill the various creatures.) And the other critters right around me just ignore the fight. Sometimes they walk right through the fight without bothering to aid their friend. Only the grawl shamans attack first.

This annoys me greatly. Even in Diablo II, the monsters are aggressive and give you a reason to fight them. I feel like a serial murderer in GW. Hard to get into the role play of a hero like this. Does this change later in the game?

The game world is beautiful, and the skill system is huge and interesting. I want to like this game (especially since I just paid $50 for it), but if this beginning is indicative of the whole, I’m not going to be able to go on with it. Come on. . . please tell me there is more to this game than advancing my level by going around killing peaceful creatures.