Guild Wars 2

If you don’t enjoy the actual game play it’s time to move on. I don’t mean the bells and whistles like achievement points and gear I mean the actual core game play. Personally I am in a similar boat as you, though I have spent very little in terms of cash shop items. I just don’t find the core of the game offers enough depth to be very entertaining once you take away the chase for “things”. So it is clear I have no issue with people trying to go for a certain look or what have you I just wish there was more to the game besides that. The only form of character progression they offer at level 80 is now just stat related through a boring gear grind. It just feels pretty bland and generic all in all to me. Encounter design for pve is pretty poor generally speaking from a mechanics perspective, it simply boils down to dodge or die and makes combat in pve so one dimensional that it has lead to the proclamation by many that it’s “zerker” or gtfo. I had such high hopes that Anet could deliver on the lofty promises they made pre-release but the direction they have taken in just giving people lists of things to do and things to chase after has left it feeling like such a empty experience to me. I kept hanging on hoping I would see them introduce something that was “different” from the norm and maybe eventually they will get there someday but at this point seeing the direction they are taking gives me little hope for that.

The OPS perspective is very reasonable to have. Especially for a GW1 player.

The motivation in GW2 really is chiefly AP score and super expensive gear. And as players we feel that’s what we need to play for because that’s what they give us.

But why? Honestly there isn’t much of a difference between rare, exotic and ascended. Sure higher stats speed things up slightly. You might finish a dungeon ten minutes or so quicker but all of the content is still “do-able” with gear that isn’t even close to top tier.

AP score gives you nice little boosts to stats, but is 1-5% more XP or Karma really that important when the game gives it out like candy for nearly every single thing you could possibly be doing?

Once you have the skins you want, asking yourself why you need ascended gear, or why you need that next 500 AP for a 1% boost, is a legitimate question.

In other MMOs you need the +5 belt buckle of greater uberness because it could very well mean group success or failure in a piece of content. That’s the treadmill. Get the thing from dungeon X so you can do dungeon Y to get its thing so you can go to dungeon Z. Gear has a very significant impact and can gate you out of content. I’m not saying GW2 should ever go that route. Just wanted to point out how crucial gear tiers are in other games and how irrelevant it is in GW2. For example, can you tell in that 30 person zerg if one player is wearing masterwork trinkets or ascended? No. And it doesn’t particularly matter.

In GW you could look at a players health and know what runes they were packing. You could see an allies skill hit a mob and know if they were or weren’t runed into that trait. There were very few runes, there were very few gear tiers and very few trait lines. But every single point mattered and was apparent.

What we are missing is the difficulty gradient that makes you really need and notice those traits or that makes that 1% matter. GW has been going for nearly a decade because of its challenge. Hard-mode, Zaishen Missions, Dungeons. Those moments when you get a bad pull and the whole party thinks “oh kitten, oh kitten, oh kitten” and you overcome it by the skin of your teeth. One simple mistake, could cause all hell to break loose and failure actually made the next attempt harder, forcing you to be better. Every last player and skill decision mattered. And you played the content first and foremost to beat it. Then hoped for something cool from the chest at the end.

Compare that to GW2. We zerg from mob to mob with little regard for the content to get as many boxes as we can for a skin or material for a low impact item, or we check the achievement panel to see what we need to do in an update to get points before we even start it.

Add to all this the fact Professions and secondary professions were all important to group composition. Does your profession matter, at all, now with the zerg nature of content? Not really. So what is the point of having multiple characters in PvE? They all serve the exact same function and in the cloud of ability spam it really makes no difference what profession you are. Why gear up and master a Thief and a Warrior? There will never be a situation where one can make or break the run. You never have to say “Oh we have this, let me switch to that”. No one will ask you “Hey can you bring your <profession> for this run so that other guy can play <profession>?”.

A serious question would be how could Anet change that and is it even possible at this point? I think GW was lightning in a bottle. And now Anet is stuck somewhere in between trying to appeal to the general MMO market and please their die-hard fans, and they just lost somewhere all of the things that made their franchise, historically, so great.

GW2 is an incredible MMO. But IMO it’s not a very good GW game…yet. I still have some faith.

Eh. I keep playing this because I play too much. Make sense? A new fresh game would just encourage me to play more so I will keep hammering on this till Im good and sick of it thus reducing my precious game playing time. Its starting to work yay!

Erasculio.2914:

Blackmoon.6837:

This isn’t a video game. It’s a community of sheep, all playing the same cash crop of lies where worth is determined by gear and achievements. That in itself just spits on any foundation this game may have had since it’s very inception.

That’s how all MMORPGs are. GW2 was meant to be somewhat different, but on release the game was flooded by players from other MMORPGs asking for the exact same thing you described. ArenaNet decided it would be better to listen to them than to the players who wanted something different, and thus the current direction of the game.

and this is what happened with guild wars 2.

guild wars 2 is still very different than other traditional mmorpgs though.

Imagine if Anet shifted focus with the way rewards worked. What if we were rewarded for using skills and pulling off combos? The skill system would need to be revamped, made more complex and given more depth, but it would certainly be worth it.

Again, taking say Resident Evil 5. It just feels so fun and like an accomplishment when I pull off a physical combo on a boss. That kind of game-play reward system, where the game-play is actually the focus. It’s not just the fact that I pulled off a combo either. It’s also the awesome animations and cool effects that come as a result. Know what I mean?

Even though I am not really in the same situation as you, I totally understand. Luckily for me though, I only strive for exotics and I spend my time playing with guilds, friends, and focusing on exploring and just goofing around.

It makes me happy that I am not a hardcore player. I have no problem with being an average-skilled, low-middle class(gold) player. Things like this don’t hit me as hard.

Either way, this focus on end gaming being about achievement, gear and loot is just not… fun.

Blackmoon.6837:

This isn’t a video game. It’s a community of sheep, all playing the same cash crop of lies where worth is determined by gear and achievements. That in itself just spits on any foundation this game may have had since it’s very inception.

I honestly just don’t feel right playing this anymore. If I can even call it “playing”.

Wow, thanks, man, you’ve just opened my eyes… Aaaand it’s gone.

Sarcasm aside, I suppose you exposed the dark side of MMO’s. I enjoy the immersion, exploration, playing with friends above everything else that an mmorpg has to offer. The gear I acquire doesn’t provide me with the feeling of being better than others but to please my eye with a cool looking character. I like single player games too, but the satisfaction is different and really more solitary.

Also, if you despise being treated as a “sheep doing repetitive stuff for vain rewards”, I advise you steer clear of the majority of other mmorpgs out there, cause most of them are way much more about that than GW2.

I don’t get why people feel the need to express their dislike of game features in the forums. I can understand complaining about nerfs, a badly implemented boss fight, a terrible patch,… But the whole game, the whole purpose of the game, its core (also pointing fingers at the old and tired “holy trinity would be better” posters) is not only pointless, it’s a form of ego-stroking. You’re being a diva, looking for attention. You don’t like a game? Well that’s a shame. Move on and don’t play it, look for one that suits your taste. And please, we don’t really need to know about your reasons.

I don’t really have a problem with the AP system per se. It is around reward and achievement and relates to a variety of playstyles which I think is good overall. I do have a problem with AP around temporary content as it becomes pretty cheesy in it’s coercive motivation and manipulation. If it were all around permanent content I really wouldn’t have a problem.

Gear, too. If it were truly about cosmetics, as it originally was, I wouldn’t have a problem with playing towards rare and desirable armor and weapons. But, with vertical progression, it’s about ever more powerful gear and that makes for a non-optional gear grind and that’s not fun. I don’t know how many people actually realize that vertical progression is driving the reward system(s) in GW2. How would you know this? Just figure out what the central (most important) currency is and then visit a vendor for that currency. What you will find for sale is gear that is more powerful than what you currently have equipped. It’s truly sad the game went this way.

I am with @Lydell on this one.

I myself am a GW1 vet and I love GW2 more then GW1. I came from other MMO’s when I started GW1, I was getting older, didn’t like monthly subscriptions, and really didn’t have the same amount of time to play. GW1 gave me what I need from a game. GW2 has given me the same thing, but with all the other things I loved from the other MMO’s. I have an awesome PvP screen like what I used to play in DAoC. The crafting is like what I enjoy, just not as labor intensive.

It also takes things I didn’t enjoy in other MMO’s and makes them more fun here. Armor, now I can just worry about the look of my character instead of the stats. I can get the stats I want pretty easy in different ways, but then all I am doing is trying to get my look. Same with weapons. And it doesn’t require half the time I would spend trying to do them in other games.

I also play the way I want, I don’t have this drive to have more AP’s then someone else, I don’t feel like I need to go do what everyone else is doing. I had fun this the invasions, but once it get tiring, even though the rewards were good, I went and did other stuff.

@OP, I think you just lost sight of what “your” doing and what “you” enjoy. It is all there, it is just your thinking has changed.

I would’ve bought a new gpu/cpu instead of wasting money on their gems. What are you even buying, stupid rng boxes? lol

GW2 is a great game . Its good that gem shop looking like that because I don’t want next game that is unballanced because of Item Shop.. I’m dissapointed only with that i bought the digital deluxe version that should have mini Rytlock, Banker Golem and ,,Unique Elite Skill". I got only Banker Golem and useless elite skill without Rytlock. But thats no matter, I’m still enjoying the game.

Blackmoon.6837:

I’m a pretty big supporter of the Guild Wars franchise. I played GW1 a lot and spent probably even more time on GW2 over this past year. Hell, the amount of money I spent on gems is probably close to a grand. I don’t take it back and I know the money will go to support future players, rock on to that.

Recently I was playing and stopped to look at the new SAB achievements. Something just clicked and I’m now confused, demoralized and fear playing GW2 because I feel manipulated.

I played this game because it was a breathe of fresh air. It was fun to explore the world and finish my storyline, try dungeons for the first time and get a taste of what there was. Yet now that I’ve gotten my share of the gameplay, my whole perspective changed without me recognizing it until too late. My focus on GW2 became a constant, almost robotic, effort to keep my AP high and get the top gear so I could prance around with cool armor etc.

Yet is that really why I enjoy this game? So I can waste all of my time on something that’s actually 100% irrelevant and does nothing but promote my ego? Sure I understand the sense of pride and enjoyment from “winning”, yet it feels so stereotypical and even deceptive when the primary focus is achievements and not gameplay.

Now keep in mind that I’m not an MMO player. Guild Wars has been the only MMO franchise I’ve ever played. So I’m not aware of how end-gaming works. Yet I can certainly tell you that it doesn’t feel right at all.

When I play console games, like say Resident Evil or Mass Effect, there’s an end to the content and yet I can easily find myself wasting a ridiculous amount of hours to continue playing. Why is that? Because the gameplay is that darn entertaining.

That same feeling doesn’t exist in this game and I feel hurt. If this is how a truly phenomenal MMO is supposed to be, then I’ve got to quit. It’s turning me into a machine where I lose all dignity and drop loads of cash to create the illusion that I’m having fun, when in reality, all the items I’ve gotten have done nothing but make me feel worthless. Everyone has what I have, they all think like I do, where we all feel like we’re the best… just ego-stroking nonsense.

This isn’t a video game. It’s a community of sheep, all playing the same cash crop of lies where worth is determined by gear and achievements. That in itself just spits on any foundation this game may have had since it’s very inception.

I honestly just don’t feel right playing this anymore. If I can even call it “playing”.

Couldn’t have said it better myself. Am to slowly feeling that way. Question myself as to why I even bother logging on each day to do the daily? so that I don’t miss out on a laurel; but for what? Finding myself self logging on less and less with each new patch that is suppose to be “fun”.

The sad thing is that I really do want to play. I just get stuck at the login screen, wondering rather or not there’s anything I can do that isn’t a grind.

It would be awesome if they fixed the overall game-play by making skills feel like they matter and making the use of them + combos fell rewarding. There’s such a lack of depth with the combat.

Welcome to playing a game that is close realty life things changes fast to the point where you will get lost at one point. Most of the time this is due to not being able to keep up or “old age.” It happens to us all you just got to adapted as best as you can and try to enjoy your self in doing so or what the point of doing any thing if you MUST do every thing 100% before it goes away. I mean are you going to all the live events in your down town? Are you getting every new app or smart phone that comes out? Are you getting every new gaming system and games as they come out and betting them in a few days to keep up? Are you watching every moving tv show and playing every song reading every book? You cant and if you keep stressing about these things you will never have fun in a game or in real life.

MMOs are not for you. And yes when Anet said “Non-MMO players will like this MMO” they lied. It comes with everything from other MMOs. It has the grind, the dailies, gear progression etc.

I dropped out for 9 months, came back and picked it up like it was yesterday. So I’m thinking this is a “you” problem and not a game problem.

Xcom.1926:

MMOs are not for you. And yes when Anet said “Non-MMO players will like this MMO” they lied. It comes with everything from other MMOs. It has the grind, the dailies, gear progression etc.

I don’t like other MMOs and I like Guild Wars 2. There are others I know in the same boat. I’m not sure what that makes your statement, but I wouldn’t use the word lie, just because someone is mistaken.

Ignore the new bits if you don’t like them and wait for the old bits you liked to come around again (hopefully they will if they keep returned PoC like SAB).

Personally, I lost track of all the new stuff around the release of the thing with the kites.

With no monthly fee you can just stop playing whenever you like.

Blackmoon.6837:

the primary focus is achievements and not gameplay

+1

Blackmoon.6837:

The sad thing is that I really do want to play. I just get stuck at the login screen, wondering rather or not there’s anything I can do that isn’t a grind.

It would be awesome if they fixed the overall game-play by making skills feel like they matter and making the use of them + combos fell rewarding. There’s such a lack of depth with the combat.

Yes.
Don’t listen to anyone that tells you otherwise, that tells you the combat in this game is good. It’s not. It does, however, feel good, which is not the same as being good.

milo.6942:

Blackmoon.6837:

The sad thing is that I really do want to play. I just get stuck at the login screen, wondering rather or not there’s anything I can do that isn’t a grind.

It would be awesome if they fixed the overall game-play by making skills feel like they matter and making the use of them + combos fell rewarding. There’s such a lack of depth with the combat.

Yes.
Don’t listen to anyone that tells you otherwise, that tells you the combat in this game is good. It’s not. It does, however, feel good, which is not the same as being good.

I don’t think you get to objectively decide if something is good or not. It’s good for certain play styles and not good for others.

It does have problems, that I agree with, but something can have problems and still be good (reference Skyrim).

well i like the shared exp for team killing in guild wars 2.

till now i have not seen this in any other mmorpg.
please tell me i am wrong.

Honestly I’m starting to feel the same about GW2. I don’t spend my time trying to get the best gear or whatever but I log on and I can’t think of what to do by myself. Orr doesn’t seem to be the same place anymore – I go there and the events seem so spread out, and the players so few. I don’t like doing fractals or dungeons with random people because 8 times out of 10 I come out of it with a sour taste in my mouth due to ignorant people and the stupidest ‘shortcuts’. I log on to play the game, not speed run or bypass parts. So whatever. I end up repeating the same content I’ve done a thousand other times – playing a few random events in different areas before I get bored.

I’m just really at a loss about what I’m supposed to be doing, or what is available to me as a solo player (when my guildmates aren’t around). Content is being changed and re-balanced, at what seems like a bewildering frequency, and when I try to repeat content I’ve beaten many times previously, everything just seems harder. I’m not noticing the group content or dynamic nature of the game anymore and that’s unfortunate.

Blackmoon.6837:

I played this game because it was a breathe of fresh air. It was fun to explore the world and finish my storyline, try dungeons for the first time and get a taste of what there was. Yet now that I’ve gotten my share of the gameplay, my whole perspective changed without me recognizing it until too late. My focus on GW2 became a constant, almost robotic, effort to keep my AP high and get the top gear so I could prance around with cool armor etc.

Yet is that really why I enjoy this game? So I can waste all of my time on something that’s actually 100% irrelevant and does nothing but promote my ego? Sure I understand the sense of pride and enjoyment from “winning”, yet it feels so stereotypical and even deceptive when the primary focus is achievements and not gameplay.

The whole point of traditional MMOs is to cater to people who can’t win in Real Life. If you won Real Life, MMOs should be played just like you play Mass Effect and Resident Evil (awesome games). Moderation is key which goes just as much for Guild Wars as anything in life.

Some people get lost in the achievement and armor hunt, but that says more about their Real Lives (or lack thereof) than the game. Since it doesn’t give you any joy, just don’t do it Play GW2 the way you’d play any other videogame and you’ll be just fine. GW2 actually allows for that playstyle.

marnick.4305:

Blackmoon.6837:

I played this game because it was a breathe of fresh air. It was fun to explore the world and finish my storyline, try dungeons for the first time and get a taste of what there was. Yet now that I’ve gotten my share of the gameplay, my whole perspective changed without me recognizing it until too late. My focus on GW2 became a constant, almost robotic, effort to keep my AP high and get the top gear so I could prance around with cool armor etc.

Yet is that really why I enjoy this game? So I can waste all of my time on something that’s actually 100% irrelevant and does nothing but promote my ego? Sure I understand the sense of pride and enjoyment from “winning”, yet it feels so stereotypical and even deceptive when the primary focus is achievements and not gameplay.

The whole point of traditional MMOs is to cater to people who can’t win in Real Life. If you won Real Life, MMOs should be played just like you play Mass Effect and Resident Evil (awesome games). Moderation is key which goes just as much for Guild Wars as anything in life.

Some people get lost in the achievement and armor hunt, but that says more about their Real Lives (or lack thereof) than the game. Since it doesn’t give you any joy, just don’t do it Play GW2 the way you’d play any other videogame and you’ll be just fine. GW2 actually allows for that playstyle.

I don’t know. I think I’ve achieved quite a bit in real life, but I still like getting achievements. Mind you, I’m at a point in life where I have lots of free time, but seldom all at one time. I need a game that I can play a bit, break a bit, play a bit.

One of the reasons I spend so much time on the forums. I can do it in five or ten minute intervals, pretty much at any time I have some time available. Much of the time it’s not enough time to do a whole lot of stuff…but most Guild Wars 2 achievements can be done relatively quickly.

And it’s a kitten good way to distract yourself from physical pain.

I feel really sorry for anybody starting this game from new now, they are going to have a tough time.

It’s not even the new people, it’s the people who’ve played since the beginning and maybe missed a Living Story event or two – or some crucial updates. A guide tailored to those players would be nice; ideas on where to farm, areas to avoid, etc would be helpful.

This isn’t a video game. It’s a community of sheep, all playing the same cash crop of lies where worth is determined by gear and achievements. That in itself just spits on any foundation this game may have had since it’s very inception.

Oh, hey look! Another topic that insults MMO players!

MagnumOpus.5469:

It’s not even the new people, it’s the people who’ve played since the beginning and maybe missed a Living Story event or two – or some crucial updates. A guide tailored to those players would be nice; ideas on where to farm, areas to avoid, etc would be helpful.

There’s a whole site full of those guides. it’s called dulfy.net