Guild Wars 2

=Basic overview=
I’ve been playing GW2 since it first launched, and one of the most disappointing aspects of the game was definitely the sound effects while in combat. I feel that the sound effects currently used are too “soft” and the player definitely cannot “FEEL” the power of the attack and “FEEL” the damage being dealt.

=Analysis=
Let’s take the Warrior class for example. The hammer weapon should be of a weapon that pounds very hard against a target. But when the hammer does hit, it sounds of a “clink” as if you’re toasting 2 teacups. This, for me, makes it less believable that my character is actually doing a lot of damage and just makes my character feel weak. Another example is the Warrior’s 2handed sword- Hundred blades. When used against a target, you can BARELY hear ANY sound effects of the sword slashing against the target- I heard more grunting sounds from my character than the sword! Imagine hundred blades used in a movie clip. It would almost feel as if someone forgot to add the SFX! My point is, I feel that Anet needs to add more of the “UMPH” when attacking an enemy, otherwise it makes the combat very dull! You want to be able to FEEL your attacks making an impact on the target you’re hitting, and without a more significant or noticeable sound effect, I can’t feel that I’m doing a lot of damage!

=Suggestion=
What I propose is that first of all, Anet needs to change up the SFX when a weapon lands a hit against a target. They not only have to be louder than the grunting sounds your characters make but make a distinctive sound of a target being slashed rather than using the generic “clink” sound all around. Secondly, add “SWOOSH” sounds when swinging a weapon (this is especially important before landing a hit) to make the impact of the weapon more dramatic.

=Conclusion=
I understand that this isn’t as easily done as said, due to the MMORPG nature of this game, there are going to be issues, like an overabundance of sound effects when in crowded areas. Although, I’m confident that with years of successful MMORPG development experience, Anet can figure out a solution to such a simple problem- if they already have not. I feel with these changes, players can feel more immersed while fighting will overall make combats more entertaining.

I completely agree. ArenaNet should really address this; it’s something that has bothered me since the very beginning. Slashing and impact noises need more “oomph” and a satisfactory feel, they have always felt dull and sounded disappointing to me.

The spell and magic sounds are very good though.

But i do agree that there are just too many grunts and not enough weapon clashing sounds. A zerg feels more like a weird orgy with some random noise in the background rather than a battle. Would also be nice if the sound of a successfull block would change depending on the skill that blocked (magical, parry or shield)

All I’m asking for is warhorns that don’t sound like your character is blowing through a paper towel tube.

This needs more attention.

You can’t even see the bosses because of all the special effects, but the sound effects are underwhelming. Pretty funny IMO.

This needs more attention! I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks the sound could be a lot better. In some cases there’s no hitting sound at all. Or that’s what it seems…

Please address this ArenaNet..

Zevious.2184:

Please address this ArenaNet..

I’ve read a post by Anet somewhere that they’ve promised 2014 to be a Year where they would focus a lot on the Audio aspect of the game. However, no confirmation has been noted for any upcoming changes. I am very concerned with this issue, it is one of the major reasons why I don’t like to play any class other than Elementalist, they have the most colorful SFX imo.

Turtlebear.9136:

Zevious.2184:

Please address this ArenaNet..

I’ve read a post by Anet somewhere that they’ve promised 2014 to be a Year where they would focus a lot on the Audio aspect of the game. However, no confirmation has been noted for any upcoming changes. I am very concerned with this issue, it is one of the major reasons why I don’t like to play any class other than Elementalist, they have the most colorful SFX imo.

I am in the exact same boat as you. The reason why my main is an Elementalist is exactly the same as yours. Although Engineer is not too bad since rifle/pistol sounds are okay, I just really can’t stand how weak and unsatisfying melee weapons sound upon hitting an enemy. I have many friends who agree they’d definitely give GW2 another shot if this combat SFX was overhauled.