Guild Wars

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