Guild Wars 2

I would be more than happy to purchase gems to visit the old Lion’s Arch.

Which old LA? GW1 LA? GW2 on release LA? Post-Scarlet, pre-redux LA? I loooooove this LA.

Plus, it would feel so lifeless.

Some cities have an “old town” section that are medieval, colonial or whatever time period was around when the city was founded. Lion’s Arch could also have an “old town” section with crafting and vendors that is one can gain to entry with a pass bought in the gem store. It could be kind of like that section in Divinity’s Reach that requires a pass to enter.

This wouldn’t interfere with the timeline, as it’s not uncommon for cities to have an old section of town, and people who like the look of Lion’s Arch before it was destroyed can visit a tiny part of it.

I’m sorry, I hate to be negative but I don’t like the new Lion’s arch at all. The old one was intricate and interesting. This looks like, well, boring. I was expecting so much much more. I mean, sincere disappointment.

It’s not boring. It looks really amazing and the services are generally well-placed. There are a few exceptions to that though.

I find it colored weirdly. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems lit by an unnaturally colored light. And the structures seem a bit blue-ish.

I didn’t find the old LA boring but I don’t find this one boring either. I definitely prefer the current incarnation.

saddlebear.5027:

I’m sorry, I hate to be negative but I don’t like the new Lion’s arch at all. The old one was intricate and interesting. This looks like, well, boring. I was expecting so much much more. I mean, sincere disappointment.

Which one is your old one? The original or the destroyed?
I miss the original one but it was kind of very dark, so maybe I miss it because of other reasons than its architecture. The new LA is nice. Very big and I kind of like to have another armor repair quaggan a bit closer to the MF. Otherwise I’m good. Still will miss the old times ;)

Yeah, I find the new LA very dull. People’s tastes no longer shock me, though.

Not everyone likes Mahler. I do, cos I am awesome.

I find the main areas pretty boring too. The commodore quarter and outlying areas are all pretty nice. But….the giant Lobster and Squid and stuff? Just…eck.

I agree with the Tour Guide NPC.

Lions Arch is pretty much the only town I go to so in a way all those other towns are pretty boring :P

I think the sea themed architecture is all pretty cool. There’s even a vista on a fishing net where my Asura can take a nap! (Yes, I’m odd…) Only downside for me so far is I miss how crafting stations used to be practically everywhere. Other than that, very nice change of scenery.

There are tons of things to see in the new LA. If you go through the achievement to get Princess, you will see most of them. There is a lot that isn’t out in the open to see.

Wayward Muse.6825:

Some cities have an “old town” section that are medieval, colonial or whatever time period was around when the city was founded. Lion’s Arch could also have an “old town” section with crafting and vendors that is one can gain to entry with a pass bought in the gem store. It could be kind of like that section in Divinity’s Reach that requires a pass to enter.

This wouldn’t interfere with the timeline, as it’s not uncommon for cities to have an old section of town, and people who like the look of Lion’s Arch before it was destroyed can visit a tiny part of it.

That would be a really lovely compromise and a creative solution!

Alice.5360:

Don’t get me wrong, the new Lion’s Arch is nice, but it’s too clean; I miss gritty, pirate-built LA. Luckily, the game-world has the amazing, inexplicable Mist and players can access fragments of the past… Using this mechanic, it’s no a far leap to present the old Lion’s Arch as existing in a stabilized mist pocket and the pass as a certificate that declares us fit for travel. It’d operate like the Airship or Royal Terrace pass but take us to an instance of Old LA, complete with vendors and the rest.

You know, I wouldn’t buy the Airship or Royal Terrace passes but I would buy this.

Endless Soul.5178:

Am I the only one that thinks of Lion’s Arch in Guild Wars 1 when people mention “Old Lion’s Arch?”

I mean, it’s still there even.

I think that pre-Scarlet LA being in the PS was a nice touch in itself. So basically, you technically can sort of time travel back to old LA if you really wanted to. For free even.

I like the new LA. It’s very nice. Looks like a proper port city with some amazing aesthetic.

Props to the designers for the art style. Lobster harbor is best harbor, and octopus bank ain’t ever gonna let you down!

The Black Lion TP Hub in LA exclusively to sell the older skins, while having a “normalized” vendor in the major cities? Epic.

LA just looks and feels grand. Pre-Scarlet LA feels small by comparison, and I certainly won’t miss wrecked LA.

The best thing Scarlet has ever done was to bomb the old LA into oblivion. Ugly, cramped, provincial hamlet it was.

The new Lion’s Arch can be summed up in one word: meh. It’s like typical RPG southern city trope boring. And so flat with tons of pointlessly large areas everywhere.

Did anet fire their old map designers?

Lion’s Arch is no longer a pirate city, but a sea-themed disneylandish clown town. better`ve left it ruined or gave it to Scarlet

saddlebear.5027:

I’m sorry, I hate to be negative but I don’t like the new Lion’s arch at all. The old one was intricate and interesting. This looks like, well, boring. I was expecting so much much more. I mean, sincere disappointment.

I dont know if boring is the word. It looks empty, desserted, dull. There are some nice parts though (like the commodores quarter, or the weird architecture of the bank, lighthouse and harbor, or the big open air restaurant) but in general it looks like they didnt take enough time to fill the properly. Compare it with divinity’s reach and see how much more work went to the krytan capital instead.

I like LA in all versions, eventhough the relase-version is still my favorite.
It’s cool that it changes over time though.
I like the commodore quarter a lot and the Exterminator achievement is fun to do.
But there’ll always be some people that don’t like changes.

well it is what happens when you work together with the Consortium. They’re very interested in the tourism business after all.

I like it, it looks clean and real now and not just some mess of a slop pasted here and there. Dunno maybe it’s my graphics settings but the old LA kind of reminded me of GW1 cantha and that looked bad, slum looking bad….

I am hoping now that other parts of the game get a nice touch up like LA has. Bring on destroying DR!

Aenesthesia.1697:

saddlebear.5027:

I’m sorry, I hate to be negative but I don’t like the new Lion’s arch at all. The old one was intricate and interesting. This looks like, well, boring. I was expecting so much much more. I mean, sincere disappointment.

I dont know if boring is the word. It looks empty, desserted, dull. There are some nice parts though (like the commodores quarter, or the weird architecture of the bank, lighthouse and harbor, or the big open air restaurant) but in general it looks like they didnt take enough time to fill the properly. Compare it with divinity’s reach and see how much more work went to the krytan capital instead.

I think the deserted look/feeling is to show that many people did die in the attack and more have left out of fear of more attacks. I expect maybe after more of the LS hits LA may get more populated again.

Lion’s Arch now represents a political failure on the part of Queen Jennah. Before it was a relatively wealthy city carved out of her territory by nasty pirates, guarded by (moderately incompetent) soldiers, and capable of controlling vast amounts of international trade.

After Scarlett’s attack, the city was in ruin, the governing body shattered, the wealth dispersed, and the (moderately incompetent) soldiers dead.

The situation lined up perfectly for Kryta to reclaim this lost land. Who would have opposed them? With what army? With what money?

Instead of securing the lands that rightfully belong to her, Jennah not only missed this opportunity to strengthen her empire and silence dissent in her home court, she actually hosted an event the purpose of which was to pour out her own kingdom’s wealth into an opulent rebuilding fund for the dispossessed pirate scum on her doorstep!

After this fiasco, I’m now throwing my support behind Minister Caudecus.

Even before the first attack on LA, the old city had a ramshackle, slapdash quality about it. I suspect – it may even be canon lore – that the captains literally hauled their ships up on shore to use as buildings. I much prefer this streamlined, elegant new look, and I don’t find anything out of order about the huge central space in the middle of the city at Trader’s Forum (as remarked elsewhere, it seems to have been purpose-designed for guild gatherings and mass events). I do miss the lion fountain/statue, though, and could wish for another crafting complex.

It is still a pirate city even though much less so. Go find Magnus and Elen and hear their converstations on the matter.

mtpelion.4562:

Lion’s Arch now represents a political failure on the part of Queen Jennah. Before it was a relatively wealthy city carved out of her territory by nasty pirates, guarded by (moderately incompetent) soldiers, and capable of controlling vast amounts of international trade.

After Scarlett’s attack, the city was in ruin, the governing body shattered, the wealth dispersed, and the (moderately incompetent) soldiers dead.

The situation lined up perfectly for Kryta to reclaim this lost land. Who would have opposed them? With what army? With what money?

Instead of securing the lands that rightfully belong to her, Jennah not only missed this opportunity to strengthen her empire and silence dissent in her home court, she actually hosted an event the purpose of which was to pour out her own kingdom’s wealth into an opulent rebuilding fund for the dispossessed pirate scum on her doorstep!

After this fiasco, I’m now throwing my support behind Minister Caudecus.

Have you seen those giant Krytan banners in the Eastern Ward? If anything the Krytan influence is more present than it ever was, probably due to Queen Jennah’s charity event.

Seaworld!

Only thing missing is some speedos and bathsuits so we can walk around properly.

nolleo.8137:

Lion’s Arch is no longer a pirate city, but a sea-themed disneylandish clown town. better`ve left it ruined or gave it to Scarlet

Couldn’t agree more…

Seaworld!

Only thing missing is some speedos and bathsuits so we can walk around properly.

Lion’s Arch was built by filthy, scavenging, shipwrecked pirates out of pieces of their wrecked ships. The people of LA are no longer filthy, scavenging, shipwrecked pirates but wealthy international merchants (i.e., cleancut corporate pirates). They rebuilt their city in a way that reflects their current status. Why do some see a problem with this?

LA is awesome. It’s pretty and magical. Not even close to my expectations, not even in the same neighborhood. The architecture is really pretty wild and out there.

That’s not why LA is awesome. LA is awesome because it’s more alive than it has ever been. There are amazing things happening all over the city that just weren’t before.

Have you met some of these people? The very best is the crazy conspiracy theorist. That guy is hilarious. The fake Evon Nashblade. The Asura woman who is caring for the displaced human and char girls, plus dog. Some random guy riding around on a broom. There are so many more instances of people just having their own lives.

I also love that NPCs are actually using waypoints. I’ve never seen that before, and have often wondered about it.

Kharlus.3612:

nolleo.8137:

Lion’s Arch is no longer a pirate city, but a sea-themed disneylandish clown town. better`ve left it ruined or gave it to Scarlet

Couldn’t agree more…

Seaworld!

Only thing missing is some speedos and bathsuits so we can walk around properly.

Coming soon to a gem shop near you: Faren’s Speedo, for your pleasure on a perfect day at the beach
(Not really, but if it did, my poor norn warrior wouldn’t wear anything else for a looong time^^)

And the old city wasnt Pirates of the Caribean? (also disney if im correct). Furteron it was to much human themed. Everyone its own opionion but i like the new city more with all the space and beautiful buildings with its blend of the five races in one new style. Its a perfect location for events btw.

LA was a pirate city for a small window of time.
Before the rise of Zhaitan it was a regular city, actually a quite big one and had nothing to do with pirates.
After the flood Mariner rebuild it they way he could and being a pirate it ended as a pirate city but soon it grew and became a multiracial city with rules and everything and a pirate theme on top of that, and now it has the structure it deserves with a nautical theme because you know … it IS a nautical city.

Why call it Lion’s Arch since all we can see are giant lobsters, crabs, shrimps, seashells…

It’s way, way more tropical than Southsun Cove!

Seems like you just arrive at your caribbean resort for some serious vacations.

Get your sunglasses, order an icy margarita and some snacks and enjoy shade of the mega jellyfish covering the central plaza, while your kids have fun in the giang lobster pool or any of the great water toys.

As for me, gladly they didn’t change Divinity’s Reach…

Wow wow wow love the new Lions arch, was unsure what to expect, was worried they would just patch up the old Lions arch and add a few new bits here and there, but they have made a wonderful place old and new lovely details, i still haven’t finished exploring, did the jumping puzzle vertigo or what!! well done all the Anet team it is beautiful and still nice to see the plaques with lions arch history still displayed.

Kal Spiro.9745:

I also love that NPCs are actually using waypoints. I’ve never seen that before, and have often wondered about it.

They’ve done this a couple of times before, I remember during the three headed wurm update they had Rytlock leading a warband around the zone using waypoints (they’d walk to one, then teleport to another from it).

I always think it’s pretty cool to see though.

All the cities are boring for me. What would I do in a city that would make them fun? Stand around and roleplay? I do think the new Lion’s arch is really pretty though.

Kal Spiro.9745:

LA is awesome. It’s pretty and magical. Not even close to my expectations, not even in the same neighborhood. The architecture is really pretty wild and out there.

That’s not why LA is awesome. LA is awesome because it’s more alive than it has ever been. There are amazing things happening all over the city that just weren’t before.

Have you met some of these people? The very best is the crazy conspiracy theorist. That guy is hilarious. The fake Evon Nashblade. The Asura woman who is caring for the displaced human and char girls, plus dog. Some random guy riding around on a broom. There are so many more instances of people just having their own lives.

I also love that NPCs are actually using waypoints. I’ve never seen that before, and have often wondered about it.

Oh yeah the crazy conspiracy theory guy! lol

The transporting NPC’s reminds me of that Charr trying to sneak a keg past Vigil Warmaster Wylliam in Camp Resolve.

I have to say, I don’t like the new Lion’s arch at all. The old LA was so intricate and interesting and had character with all the ships and the sails. Even the bricks in the walks were unique! I couldn’t believe the level of detail in the original LA, in fact, I would comment about it to my friends at what an amazing work of art it was.

The new LA, is boring. It looks like some east Phoenix pedestrian mall. As one of the premier cities of the game I’m amazed at the low-budget look it has. If ArenaNet didn’t have the funds to redo LA to it’s amazing glory then you should have not destroyed it in the first place!!!!

It really reduced my enthusiasm for the game. If I want to PvP or Dungeon I have other games that are better. I return to GW2 for the art, the beauty, the realism and the detail.

Back to the drawing boards folks and this time do LA justice!!!!!

saddlebear.5027:

I have to say, I don’t like the new Lion’s arch at all. The old LA was so intricate and interesting and had character with all the ships and the sails. Even the bricks in the walks were unique! I couldn’t believe the level of detail in the original LA, in fact, I would comment about it to my friends at what an amazing work of art it was.

The new LA, is boring. It looks like some east Phoenix pedestrian mall. As one of the premier cities of the game I’m amazed at the low-budget look it has. If ArenaNet didn’t have the funds to redo LA to it’s amazing glory then you should have not destroyed it in the first place!!!!

It really reduced my enthusiasm for the game. If I want to PvP or Dungeon I have other games that are better. I return to GW2 for the art, the beauty, the realism and the detail.

Back to the drawing boards folks and this time do LA justice!!!!!

Lol! A mall!! Indeed! A mix between water park and open mall!

Now, THAT’S a town to be destroyed by evil forces!

I’m having fun with the karka hunt, so it’s fun to me

Kharlus.3612:

Lol! A mall!! Indeed! A mix between water park and open mall!

Now, THAT’S a town to be destroyed by evil forces!

amen brotha amen. I`d like to help this evil force with all I can

What it could use is an “old quarter” with a relocated Crow’s Nest. I was a bit annoyed that it was removed given its significance in Sea of Sorrows. Also, the merlions should be returned, they were cooler than the new nautical structures and the central area feels empty without them.

Other than that, the redesign is pretty cool.

Seriously? My thread about wanting checkpoints for the jumping puzzle got merged into this thread? That’s only partially related!

The Crow’s Nest is still there. Or rather, there’s a new one further west in the Commodore’s Quarter, all open air. I found it thanks to the karka hunt, but it’s a marked PoI on your map. It has the Captain’s Table, even.

The look the the new LA is stunning! Seriously Anet who the hell do you think you are!

However I still have the same criticism about it as I have with every other mmo city. It needs to be less like a book and more like a toy. A good example of this is the new mystic forge. I want to splash around with the kids in the fountain (we already have the coming out the water effects). I want to tell a npc where the best deals for food is and the npc go there. Leave a ball in the middle of the city that npcs and players can kick and see what happens. I want to shoot dice with the guards. I want to play drunken darts with the pirates where the award for winning is another drink. I want the shop keepers to knock me down when I climb all over their inventory. I want there to be trash to pick up (show some civic pride!).

I want a reason to play in the city the same way we play in the rest of the world.

It’s very pretty, just that it reminds me of Kamadan more than it does Lion’s Arch.

So, I am a bit torn!
I like the new Lion’s Arch in general, it is well organised, I love the little Neighborhood in Commodore’s Quarter, the Phoenix Roust is breathtaking and has an amazing view, the grand plaza looks magical and the little chapel area on Inner harbor is beautiful. The bar in the Western Ward is cute and I love the vault’s entrance, it is very creative.

Now, to be honest I was expecting something much different. I always imagined Lion’s Arch a bit more luxurious and overwhelming. Huge buildings around the city like in Divinity’s Reach, big Golden Lion statues like in Hoelbrak and bridges that you hold your breath by passing them. Golden and Red Arches over gathering areas, exotic plants decorating the plazas reminding us of the Grove and maybe a planetarium in the center of the city. The total aesthetic would be like the “The Vaults” that we got now, classic, detailed, heavy, bold, luxurious. The loading Screen Art looks more like what I had in mind.

I don’t want to seam ungrateful, I recognized the hard work involved and I am not disappointed cause LA is still very good, I was just expecting a more strong and epic theme than seawater.