Guild Wars 2

Do you think that anet did a good job representing the typical MMO archetypes in GW2?

Warrior

The Brute

The brute used to be the main tank in the game, that is, until the Paladins arrived. Brutes are technically the Berserkers, Champions, Warriors, Barbarians, and Knights we know and love. They have high HP and pack a whole lot of PAIN. They are also capable of wearing the highest form of armor in terms of defense, but lack magic defense most of the time. Brutes are always better than spell casters in terms of PVP (despite their lack of knowledge). All they need to do is hack and slash, eventually taking the flag emerging victorious. They don’t really have to be buff, just as long as they fit the description. Take pain and deliver MORE PAIN. That’s all that matters.

Thief

The Thief

Rogues, Assassins (Shadow Dancer) or whatever you call them, the Thiefs specialize in both ranged and melee combat. Some games separate these two specialties to make way for more classes, but know that they all belong to one specific archetype. Thieves used to specialize in daggers only, but are now able to actually wield two swords similar to the Brutes. While the Brutes take damage and hit for double the pain, thieves rely on dodging and evasion due to their incompetence when it comes to vitality. Thieves also have the ability to trigger stealth, making them formidable foes, and just as the name suggests, good robbers.

Elementalist

The Mage

Mages are masters of magic, and the class with the fewest variety in names (Archmage, Enchanter, perhaps). They can cast bolts of lightning along with fireballs that usually finish the job. Mages are limited to the lowest armor set possibly due to their excellent range and magic trickery. One problem with mages is that they really can’t afford to take a hit but, due to their massive damage that can surpass even the highest warriors, they have become VIPs in the field of battle. They can literally burn your kitten off, so don’t mess with them. Due to their diverse choices when it comes to elements, mages have been separated into different forms of spellcasters. Not that I blame them, for mages have a unique feel for each element.

Necromancer

The Necromancer/Black Mage

Necromancers are mainly mages who practice the forbidden arts in order to become stronger. They have the ability to raise the dead, as well as summon demons from the depths of the netherworld. They are also capable of using magic, but are limited to spells that usually hurt them in return. With high risks come high rewards, or something like that. Almost all classes associated with the Necromancer have the ability to drain life, making them the kitten Dastardly of the class archetypes. Much like mages, Necromancers (or Warlocks, Dark Casters, Shadowmage, etcetera) also suck at defense and need to be protected due to their small lifebar. It’s worth it though.

Guardian

The Holy Knight

Whether you call them Paladins, Crusaders, or Holy Knights, these dudes are one of the feared (if not the most) among the class archetypes. They can heal, deal damage, and smite evil whenever they see fit. It’s the ‘good’ (or holy, or light) that drives them, usually from a religious point of view, makes them nearly unstoppable. These guys are undeniably the cheapest class in the game; however, it is also this form of cheapness that makes them formidable tanks when raiding with a party. With ever present sword and shield, they’ll charge into battle without hesitation

Ranger

The Ranger

Rangers (Archers, Hunters, Bowmen, Gunner) are mid balanced characters who specialize in the field of nature. They can tame beasts as well as other creatures of the wild to aid them in battle. Rangers are similar to the likes of Legolas (Lord of the Rings) with a few extra kinks, such as not being limited to bow wielding <_< LOL. Rangers are excellent trackers as well, giving them the extra hand in PVP. Although these individuals are limited to mid-ranged armor, their allies (or pets) give them an outrageous attack power that can kill even the mightiest of Brutes. They also prefer to fight at long range, along with their pets, but ultimately Rangers are dangerous regardless of range.

Druid/tempest

The Healer

Unlike the other archetypes, Healers are usually called Priests in most games, and the only way for them to be individualized would be through cross-classing. Healers are normally excluded in most games as they tend to focus more on attacking. Healers on can be merged with other characters in order to give them the ability to deal damage rather than simply being a person who heals wounds. Otherwise solo-ing would be pretty useless. This particular class is no longer relevant in most cases due to the stereotypical belief that healers are boring by nature. They have been made ‘cooler’ by shifting from healing to something else (Healing mage, Cleric, Shaman, Shapeshifter, Druid) and usually have some of the more important buffs for the groups.

Revenant

The Blackguard

Blackguards are pretty new in the class archetype scene. If necromancers serve as the counter-mage, then this class serves as the counter-paladins. Blackguards do the exact opposite of what paladins are capable of. For instance, they inflict wounds and diseases instead of healing them. What we have here are holy knights who have lost their faith. World of Warcraft’s Death Knights can also be considered as a Blackguard. They (in some cases) also carry the might and defense of the Paladin, and can be reliable tanks when taken along. The blackguards will have something unholy, demonic and wicked about them, which makes them excellent dark characters to balance the overly good and happy party members.

Nice to know.
A thing that more or less everyone know.
Also we know that ANet took some of these playstyle/roles and twisted them a little to make others (example: the necromancer is the class with the highest HP pool).
Also, that description refer to other games.

But the most important thing:
And now that I read all your post… what’s your conclusion? Why did you post it?

Guardian cheap….. try to play w/o traps or meditation based on pvp and call it cheap…

As an avid D&D player ( from the time of the Red Box Basic Rule set ) I see a lot of possible derivation in this game. Thief stealth and backstab is an example.

you forgot Mesmer = Illusionist/Psionic.

D&D also had balance issues, but many of these could be attributed to too much interference from the publishing company. Too many changes and odd rule twists.

I remember niche builds killing other players or monsters in a single segment. The complexity of the rules created situations where things like that could happen.