How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: Furajir.3815

Furajir.3815

The game has been out for a significant amount of time. Kudos to the Devs first off for making an enjoyable game with tons off added content every few weeks and constant rebalancing to try and get things right.

Now..

IMO this expansion was done half kitten in an attempt to get a quick buck from the consumers. When they first said they would be giving each class and elite spec and “New Weapons” I figured it would be some totally separate entity and NEW weapons, not just unlocking previously existing weapons and giving them to other classes. Like a 2h axe for warrior etc.

Now Elite specs, what a joke, if you REALLY wanted to spice up the game, you should have made it so it was an added FOURTH line to the spec variations to make the other lines stronger, more diversified builds, and more options to the player, not give us a new elite spec that forced us to give up other important lines.

Like Warrior for example, Could be Strength, Arms, Defense, AND BERSERKER. This would have brought the game to a whole new level.

They dropped the ball on this and failed a huge opportunity to really add something different that would have kept people coming back for a long time, not feel like they were lied to for a quick buck on a half kitten expansion.

Tupro-Ranger- “The Great White Hype”
Yak’s Bend(TWIN) Racist against Sylvari
RRR Ranger and Warrior videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/ElmoezHerra?feature=watch

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: Raziel.4216

Raziel.4216

We knew that classes would unlock existing weapons MONTHS before the release, heck you could even see it on the reveal trailer almost one year ago, we played them in the betas, there’s a crapload of videos on youtube about it.
We knew about the class trait lines overhaul MONTHS before the release, it was implemented some time ago, once again we tested it in the beta.
We knew most of the stuff you’re complaining about, you should do your research before you buy a game. That’s like buying fallout 4 next month and complaining it’s not a RTS.

If Legend of Zelda came out tomorrow, the usual
forum dwellers would go nuts about the need to
“grind” to get exp, new swords, new potions etc

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: Pifil.5193

Pifil.5193

Adding a fourth line would break the game and create a huge power imbalance between players with HoT and those without it. This is a terrible terrible idea.

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: SamTheGuardian.2938

SamTheGuardian.2938

The game has been out for a significant amount of time. Kudos to the Devs first off for making an enjoyable game with tons off added content every few weeks and constant rebalancing to try and get things right.

Now..

IMO this expansion was done half kitten in an attempt to get a quick buck from the consumers. When they first said they would be giving each class and elite spec and “New Weapons” I figured it would be some totally separate entity and NEW weapons, not just unlocking previously existing weapons and giving them to other classes. Like a 2h axe for warrior etc.

Now Elite specs, what a joke, if you REALLY wanted to spice up the game, you should have made it so it was an added FOURTH line to the spec variations to make the other lines stronger, more diversified builds, and more options to the player, not give us a new elite spec that forced us to give up other important lines.

Like Warrior for example, Could be Strength, Arms, Defense, AND BERSERKER. This would have brought the game to a whole new level.

They dropped the ball on this and failed a huge opportunity to really add something different that would have kept people coming back for a long time, not feel like they were lied to for a quick buck on a half kitten expansion.

ArenaNet has some of the very best in the industry. It’s very sad to see them put out a product that was obviously forced to release by a specific date. Without placing blame (because we don’t know who exactly is at fault) it does seem there are huge disconnects between the art, design and writing departments (e.g. Elite Specialization’s cheaply worked into lore but not something core to the story a player experiences… For a reward that is perhaps the most important advertised feature of the game, they make you wait until near end game to achieve you would think they would have at least made it a big event int he game instead of a passive unlock).

What we have in GW2 Heart of Thorns PvE

  • Very small amount of new content to explore – even with the vertical aspect the new maps feel small compared to the largest maps of the core game… and there are only three new maps. With HoT we’re only getting about 1/8th or 12% new explorable area compared to the core game See: https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Zone
  • Grind based progression – To slow down a player from running though the new maps quickly (remember there are only 3 and combined they provide may 12% of the the total explore area of the core game) they have put in place systems that force places to do very repetitive things. This is by definition grind. It may be less grindy than other MMOs, that’s subjective but it is grind and that is new to GW2 and anti GW2 manifesto. This sort of tactic is implemented by a developer to save money. Instead of building out more maps they just make you repeat content before progression over a handful of maps. Is that common with other MMOs maybe, but it hasn’t been with GW2 and there are reasons many of us have chosen not to play other MMOs.
  • Horrible implementation of core features – Core advertised play mechanic of the game most were excited about (Elite Specialization) not made personal to player, implemented as a passive achievement that occurs near the final boss battle so the player doesn’t even get to play the game with the desired play mechanic. .
  • Mega-server algorithms preventing progression – Players coming into Verdant Brink for the first time are encountering events and mobs they can’t solo and are finding a good number of them empty. When you encounter this it’s quite horrible. This is turning the new Mastery unlock tredmill into an overwhelming task. Players are feeling defeated and going to off to do something else in game. Not because they aren’t skilled but because the game is broken
  • Full game price – Don’t forgot HoT is an expansion and as ported out a very small one at that. Yet they charged full game price for this product

The composite of the above bullet points makes the PvE side of Heart of Thorns an insurmountable failure. Yes, you have hardcore players who’ve teamed up and done and have just finshed all the content together and they are coming in saying “it’s not so bad” or “it’s perfect” but they are not the average player. They are not the type of player ArenaNet wanted as their base when the core game launched (going by the manifesto). Yes, you had players who moved with the heard from launch last Friday morning until completion. Now hopefully they will go the kitten away.

All that said, the PvP side of HoT is nice. I can also say positive things for that team. The Elite Specializations need a bit of balance work but there is nothing I’ve come across that’s game-breaking in PvP with the new specs and that’s impressive.

(edited by SamTheGuardian.2938)

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: Furajir.3815

Furajir.3815

We knew that classes would unlock existing weapons MONTHS before the release, heck you could even see it on the reveal trailer almost one year ago, we played them in the betas, there’s a crapload of videos on youtube about it.
We knew about the class trait lines overhaul MONTHS before the release, it was implemented some time ago, once again we tested it in the beta.
We knew most of the stuff you’re complaining about, you should do your research before you buy a game. That’s like buying fallout 4 next month and complaining it’s not a RTS.

First of all kiddo, I was in Iraq for the past 6 months, so computer access to check up on a games expansions wasn’t exactly top priority. When it was first announced, THATS what was said, learn to read. Not everyone just sits at home at mommies house and plays with their neckbeard and cats. And I didn’t even purchase it. kitten .

Tupro-Ranger- “The Great White Hype”
Yak’s Bend(TWIN) Racist against Sylvari
RRR Ranger and Warrior videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/ElmoezHerra?feature=watch

(edited by Furajir.3815)

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: MoonRaiden.7423

MoonRaiden.7423

The game has been out for a significant amount of time. Kudos to the Devs first off for making an enjoyable game with tons off added content every few weeks and constant rebalancing to try and get things right.

Now..

IMO this expansion was done half kitten in an attempt to get a quick buck from the consumers. When they first said they would be giving each class and elite spec and “New Weapons” I figured it would be some totally separate entity and NEW weapons, not just unlocking previously existing weapons and giving them to other classes. Like a 2h axe for warrior etc.

Now Elite specs, what a joke, if you REALLY wanted to spice up the game, you should have made it so it was an added FOURTH line to the spec variations to make the other lines stronger, more diversified builds, and more options to the player, not give us a new elite spec that forced us to give up other important lines.

Like Warrior for example, Could be Strength, Arms, Defense, AND BERSERKER. This would have brought the game to a whole new level.

They dropped the ball on this and failed a huge opportunity to really add something different that would have kept people coming back for a long time, not feel like they were lied to for a quick buck on a half kitten expansion.

ArenaNet has some of the very best in the industry. It’s very sad to see them put out a product that was obviously forced to release by a specific date. Without placing blame (because we don’t know who exactly is at fault) it does seem there are huge disconnects between the art, design and writing departments (e.g. Elite Specialization’s cheaply worked into lore but not something core to the story a player experiences… For a reward that is perhaps the most important advertised feature of the game, they make you wait until near end game to achieve you would think they would have at least made it a big event int he game instead of a passive unlock).

What we have in GW2 Heart of Thorns PvE

  • Very small amount of new content to explore – even with the vertical aspect the new maps feel small compared to the largest maps of the core game… and there are only three new maps. With HoT we’re only getting about 1/8th or 12% new explorable area compared to the core game See: https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Zone
  • Grind based progression – To slow down a player from running though the new maps quickly (remember there are only 3 and combined they provide may 12% of the the total explore area of the core game) they have put in place systems that force places to do very repetitive things. This is by definition grind. It may be less grindy than other MMOs, that’s subjective but it is grind and that is new to GW2 and anti GW2 manifesto. This sort of tactic is implemented by a developer to save money. Instead of building out more maps they just make you repeat content before progression over a handful of maps. Is that common with other MMOs maybe, but it hasn’t been with GW2 and there are reasons many of us have chosen not to play other MMOs.
  • Horrible implementation of core features – Core advertised play mechanic of the game most were excited about (Elite Specialization) not made personal to player, implemented as a passive achievement that occurs near the final boss battle so the player doesn’t even get to play the game with the desired play mechanic. .
  • Mega-server algorithms preventing progression – Players coming into Verdant Brink for the first time are encountering events and mobs they can’t solo and are finding a good number of them empty. When you encounter this it’s quite horrible. This is turning the new Mastery unlock tredmill into an overwhelming task. Players are feeling defeated and going to off to do something else in game. Not because they aren’t skilled but because the game is broken
  • Full game price – Don’t forgot HoT is an expansion and as ported out a very small one at that. Yet they charged full game price for this product

The composite of the above bullet points makes the PvE side of Heart of Thorns an insurmountable failure. Yes, you have hardcore players who’ve teamed up and done and have just finshed all the content together and they are coming in saying “it’s not so bad” or “it’s perfect” but they are not the average player. They are not the type of player ArenaNet wanted as their base when the core game launched (going by the manifesto). Yes, you had players who moved with the heard from launch last Friday morning until completion. Now hopefully they will go the kitten away.

All that said, the PvP side of HoT is nice. I can also say positive things for that team. The Elite Specializations need a bit of balance work but there is nothing I’ve come across that’s game-breaking in PvP with the new specs and that’s impressive.

Here I thought I was alone in my post and rant about their low quality content.

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: Jaken.6801

Jaken.6801

The game has been out for a significant amount of time. Kudos to the Devs first off for making an enjoyable game with tons off added content every few weeks and constant rebalancing to try and get things right.

Now..

IMO this expansion was done half kitten in an attempt to get a quick buck from the consumers. When they first said they would be giving each class and elite spec and “New Weapons” I figured it would be some totally separate entity and NEW weapons, not just unlocking previously existing weapons and giving them to other classes. Like a 2h axe for warrior etc.

Now Elite specs, what a joke, if you REALLY wanted to spice up the game, you should have made it so it was an added FOURTH line to the spec variations to make the other lines stronger, more diversified builds, and more options to the player, not give us a new elite spec that forced us to give up other important lines.

Like Warrior for example, Could be Strength, Arms, Defense, AND BERSERKER. This would have brought the game to a whole new level.

They dropped the ball on this and failed a huge opportunity to really add something different that would have kept people coming back for a long time, not feel like they were lied to for a quick buck on a half kitten expansion.

ArenaNet has some of the very best in the industry. It’s very sad to see them put out a product that was obviously forced to release by a specific date. Without placing blame (because we don’t know who exactly is at fault) it does seem there are huge disconnects between the art, design and writing departments (e.g. Elite Specialization’s cheaply worked into lore but not something core to the story a player experiences… For a reward that is perhaps the most important advertised feature of the game, they make you wait until near end game to achieve you would think they would have at least made it a big event int he game instead of a passive unlock).

What we have in GW2 Heart of Thorns PvE

  • Very small amount of new content to explore – even with the vertical aspect the new maps feel small compared to the largest maps of the core game… and there are only three new maps. With HoT we’re only getting about 1/8th or 12% new explorable area compared to the core game See: https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Zone
  • Grind based progression – To slow down a player from running though the new maps quickly (remember there are only 3 and combined they provide may 12% of the the total explore area of the core game) they have put in place systems that force places to do very repetitive things. This is by definition grind. It may be less grindy than other MMOs, that’s subjective but it is grind and that is new to GW2 and anti GW2 manifesto. This sort of tactic is implemented by a developer to save money. Instead of building out more maps they just make you repeat content before progression over a handful of maps. Is that common with other MMOs maybe, but it hasn’t been with GW2 and there are reasons many of us have chosen not to play other MMOs.
  • Horrible implementation of core features – Core advertised play mechanic of the game most were excited about (Elite Specialization) not made personal to player, implemented as a passive achievement that occurs near the final boss battle so the player doesn’t even get to play the game with the desired play mechanic. .
  • Mega-server algorithms preventing progression – Players coming into Verdant Brink for the first time are encountering events and mobs they can’t solo and are finding a good number of them empty. When you encounter this it’s quite horrible. This is turning the new Mastery unlock tredmill into an overwhelming task. Players are feeling defeated and going to off to do something else in game. Not because they aren’t skilled but because the game is broken
  • Full game price – Don’t forgot HoT is an expansion and as ported out a very small one at that. Yet they charged full game price for this product

The composite of the above bullet points makes the PvE side of Heart of Thorns an insurmountable failure. Yes, you have hardcore players who’ve teamed up and done and have just finshed all the content together and they are coming in saying “it’s not so bad” or “it’s perfect” but they are not the average player. They are not the type of player ArenaNet wanted as their base when the core game launched (going by the manifesto). Yes, you had players who moved with the heard from launch last Friday morning until completion. Now hopefully they will go the kitten away.

All that said, the PvP side of HoT is nice. I can also say positive things for that team. The Elite Specializations need a bit of balance work but there is nothing I’ve come across that’s game-breaking in PvP with the new specs and that’s impressive.

Hold your horses. Your bulletpoints have some pretty big flaws in it, you know.

Small amount of content
First of there are 4 maps, even your own link titles them as such. Furthermore even if they are not the size of the biggest of the core game, you traverse them in three layers.
While the old ones are usually on a flat surface.
Sure it does not tripple the amount, thanks to obvious gaps, but calling it not enough is just plain wrong.

The fact that these maps all have big overarcing events, that old maps dont or barely have, is another extra that you only get with HoT.

I wont even get into map specific rewards and the design decision of giving the maps replayability and tons of secrets, thanks to (what you see as grind/gating apearently) masteries.

Grind based
I dont think you know what grinding is, do you?
Grind is a repetetative action to archieve a goal.

in HoT you are not bound to one action. You have several actions you can perform to get to your goal. You are not bound to one particular thing (well, aside from the place). You can kill, do a variety of events, do story, gather material, do adventures, be social etc.

Core feature implementation
Ehm, yeah… every game decks you into full epic armor from the start so you have no progression or anything to gun for till you fight the final boss.

You are aware of the fact that the storyline is only part of the whole MMO experience?

That every other game also has you level up or complete quests to attain a similiar feature.

Mega server
Ah yeah. Blaming something that is broken at the moment and will of course never be fixed just to spite you. I mean, its not like it has ever worked before… oh yeah.. it did…

Price
Well, that is something to argue about. I agree I expected more out of the expansion, but calling it small is not the right word.
It is, if anything medium sized and they at least said they will build up upon it, so you can say you bought a 20€ game with a 20€ season pass at least.
I bought it for aprox. 40€ and I so far I got what I expected.

So yeah. I all your points are very short sighted and in my opinion are from someone who wants everything from day one.
However where is the fun in that?
If you are complaining about how small the expension is, at least you got something to do now. You cant tell me you have seen every nook and cranny yet and if you dont care about that, then this is just not your game.

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: MoonRaiden.7423

MoonRaiden.7423

The game has been out for a significant amount of time. Kudos to the Devs first off for making an enjoyable game with tons off added content every few weeks and constant rebalancing to try and get things right.

Now..

IMO this expansion was done half kitten in an attempt to get a quick buck from the consumers. When they first said they would be giving each class and elite spec and “New Weapons” I figured it would be some totally separate entity and NEW weapons, not just unlocking previously existing weapons and giving them to other classes. Like a 2h axe for warrior etc.

Now Elite specs, what a joke, if you REALLY wanted to spice up the game, you should have made it so it was an added FOURTH line to the spec variations to make the other lines stronger, more diversified builds, and more options to the player, not give us a new elite spec that forced us to give up other important lines.

Like Warrior for example, Could be Strength, Arms, Defense, AND BERSERKER. This would have brought the game to a whole new level.

They dropped the ball on this and failed a huge opportunity to really add something different that would have kept people coming back for a long time, not feel like they were lied to for a quick buck on a half kitten expansion.

ArenaNet has some of the very best in the industry. It’s very sad to see them put out a product that was obviously forced to release by a specific date. Without placing blame (because we don’t know who exactly is at fault) it does seem there are huge disconnects between the art, design and writing departments (e.g. Elite Specialization’s cheaply worked into lore but not something core to the story a player experiences… For a reward that is perhaps the most important advertised feature of the game, they make you wait until near end game to achieve you would think they would have at least made it a big event int he game instead of a passive unlock).

What we have in GW2 Heart of Thorns PvE

  • Very small amount of new content to explore – even with the vertical aspect the new maps feel small compared to the largest maps of the core game… and there are only three new maps. With HoT we’re only getting about 1/8th or 12% new explorable area compared to the core game See: https://wiki.guildwars2.com/wiki/Zone
  • Grind based progression – To slow down a player from running though the new maps quickly (remember there are only 3 and combined they provide may 12% of the the total explore area of the core game) they have put in place systems that force places to do very repetitive things. This is by definition grind. It may be less grindy than other MMOs, that’s subjective but it is grind and that is new to GW2 and anti GW2 manifesto. This sort of tactic is implemented by a developer to save money. Instead of building out more maps they just make you repeat content before progression over a handful of maps. Is that common with other MMOs maybe, but it hasn’t been with GW2 and there are reasons many of us have chosen not to play other MMOs.
  • Horrible implementation of core features – Core advertised play mechanic of the game most were excited about (Elite Specialization) not made personal to player, implemented as a passive achievement that occurs near the final boss battle so the player doesn’t even get to play the game with the desired play mechanic. .
  • Mega-server algorithms preventing progression – Players coming into Verdant Brink for the first time are encountering events and mobs they can’t solo and are finding a good number of them empty. When you encounter this it’s quite horrible. This is turning the new Mastery unlock tredmill into an overwhelming task. Players are feeling defeated and going to off to do something else in game. Not because they aren’t skilled but because the game is broken
  • Full game price – Don’t forgot HoT is an expansion and as ported out a very small one at that. Yet they charged full game price for this product

The composite of the above bullet points makes the PvE side of Heart of Thorns an insurmountable failure. Yes, you have hardcore players who’ve teamed up and done and have just finshed all the content together and they are coming in saying “it’s not so bad” or “it’s perfect” but they are not the average player. They are not the type of player ArenaNet wanted as their base when the core game launched (going by the manifesto). Yes, you had players who moved with the heard from launch last Friday morning until completion. Now hopefully they will go the kitten away.

All that said, the PvP side of HoT is nice. I can also say positive things for that team. The Elite Specializations need a bit of balance work but there is nothing I’ve come across that’s game-breaking in PvP with the new specs and that’s impressive.

Hold your horses. Your bulletpoints have some pretty big flaws in it, you know.

Small amount of content
First of there are 4 maps, even your own link titles them as such. Furthermore even if they are not the size of the biggest of the core game, you traverse them in three layers.
While the old ones are usually on a flat surface.
Sure it does not tripple the amount, thanks to obvious gaps, but calling it not enough is just plain wrong.

The fact that these maps all have big overarcing events, that old maps dont or barely have, is another extra that you only get with HoT.

I wont even get into map specific rewards and the design decision of giving the maps replayability and tons of secrets, thanks to (what you see as grind/gating apearently) masteries.

Grind based
I dont think you know what grinding is, do you?
Grind is a repetetative action to archieve a goal.

in HoT you are not bound to one action. You have several actions you can perform to get to your goal. You are not bound to one particular thing (well, aside from the place). You can kill, do a variety of events, do story, gather material, do adventures, be social etc.

Core feature implementation
Ehm, yeah… every game decks you into full epic armor from the start so you have no progression or anything to gun for till you fight the final boss.

You are aware of the fact that the storyline is only part of the whole MMO experience?

That every other game also has you level up or complete quests to attain a similiar feature.

Mega server
Ah yeah. Blaming something that is broken at the moment and will of course never be fixed just to spite you. I mean, its not like it has ever worked before… oh yeah.. it did…

Price
Well, that is something to argue about. I agree I expected more out of the expansion, but calling it small is not the right word.
It is, if anything medium sized and they at least said they will build up upon it, so you can say you bought a 20€ game with a 20€ season pass at least.
I bought it for aprox. 40€ and I so far I got what I expected.

So yeah. I all your points are very short sighted and in my opinion are from someone who wants everything from day one.
However where is the fun in that?
If you are complaining about how small the expension is, at least you got something to do now. You cant tell me you have seen every nook and cranny yet and if you dont care about that, then this is just not your game.

I don’t think you understand what grind is, we are literally doing the same events over and over, that is the equivalent of a grind.

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: SamTheGuardian.2938

SamTheGuardian.2938

If you are complaining about how small the expension is, at least you got something to do now. You cant tell me you have seen every nook and cranny yet and if you dont care about that, then this is just not your game.

I don’t think you understand what grind is, we are literally doing the same events over and over, that is the equivalent of a grind.

Not even going to respond to him because his counter-points are false. The new maps are small and only about 12% of the total explore area of the core game even considering the vertical/layered aspect. Only portions of each layer are player able area and for many layers it’s a small portion…. How do you stop a player from rushing through such small map content? Grind of course!. I’ve played WoW, I’ve played AION, I’ve played Everquest. It’s the exact same sensation. You’re farming XP for progression. Just because there is an event construct around that grind, it’s still grind and many of us are just going for the random kills because events are empty.

There is no rebuttal of excuse for the Elite Spec unlock either. He goes on about elite skins, etc… Keep the unique skins and mods locked down for progression until end, but not the ability to use the core mechanic of the elite specs. The entire Elite spec trait chain should be available 25-30% in, The unique skins, weapons and armor/weapon mods should be the last thing you have to work for and those should take you up near end-game or even beyond. But to block a player from using something that is an advertised feature of how the game is played uniquely from the core game is complete kitten. No one on this forum as presented a rational counter argument.

(edited by SamTheGuardian.2938)

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: Jaken.6801

Jaken.6801

ehm… no.
That is your choice.
You dont have to do these few events you are talking about.

Since these masteries are account bound, you can jump on any character and reap the new area benefits.

You can do adventures, story, use xp bonus, events, explore, do jumping puzzles, which are dozens upon dozens different activities and not the same event over and over

If you really only do the simpliest events over and over, then you grind yourself.
however since there are several alternatives, you are not forced to grind

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: Jaken.6801

Jaken.6801

If you are complaining about how small the expension is, at least you got something to do now. You cant tell me you have seen every nook and cranny yet and if you dont care about that, then this is just not your game.

I don’t think you understand what grind is, we are literally doing the same events over and over, that is the equivalent of a grind.

Not even going to respond to him because his counter-points are false. The new maps are small and only about 12% of the total explore area of the core game even considering the vertical/layered aspect. Only portions of each layer are player able area and for many layers it’s a small portion…. How do you stop a player from rushing through such small map content? Grind of course!. I’ve played WoW, I’ve played AION, I’ve played Everquest. It’s the exact same sensation. You’re farming XP for progression. Just because there is an event construct around that grind, it’s still grind and many of us are just going for the random kills because events are empty.

There is no rebuttal of excuse for the Elite Spec unlock either. He goes on about elite skins, etc… Keep the unique skins and mods locked down for progression until end, but not the ability to use the core mechanic of the elite specs. The entire Elite spec trait chain should be available 25-30% in, The unique skins, weapons and armor/weapon mods should be the last thing you have to work for and those should take you up near end-game or even beyond. But to block a player from using something that is an advertised feature of how the game is played uniquely from the core game is complete kitten. No one on this forum as presented a rational counter argument.

Are you able to obtain the elite specialisation only with HoT? Yes

Can you start using it right away? Yes, if you played enough of the core game. I got several alts, which have bearly any map completion done and have at least unlock the traitline, thanks to the 60HP that are needed.
If you got world compeltion, then congratulation, you are more or less halfway done halfway done as soon as you enter HoT.

Can you use it in PvP? Yes

I admit, one downside is that you have only one way to advance here, which is through HP after you reached lvl 80.
However one dingular way goes for other features (not HoT only) as well. You know, like fractal weapons, which you can only get by doing fractals (even easier now).

Of course progression is meassured on something. However there are several things to go by. For Masteries it is exp in certain areas. Archievment points behind several tasks. Wardrobe behind several scattered skins in several gamemodes. (yes, skins are also progress, at least for some people)

Yes you have one goal getting enough exp to lvl up your masteries.
However you are not locked into one singular activity.
You have several to choose from. If you dont like any of them, then sorry. this is not your game.
However it is no grind, since grind by definition is doing only one activitiy over and over.

You dont do one singular (more or less) mindless activity over and over.
You are reducing several steps into one singular goal, which you associate with “grind”.

Oh cute that you played WoW and other games.
Did you get all your abilities from the start?
Was the Death Knight (or what he was called) available with everything from the beginning?
If you played ragnarök online, did you not have to level your spezilizations?
Do you not have to earn any form of exp or currency to get a stonger character in KOTOR?

Just because it is a feature doesnt mean you can take advantage of the whole thing right away. the feature is that it exists and that you have access to it.

By that logic legendary armor is a feature and should be given to you right away, since it is a feature and the game was promoted with it.

How HOT Elite specs SHOULD have been

in Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns

Posted by: Raziel.4216

Raziel.4216

We knew that classes would unlock existing weapons MONTHS before the release, heck you could even see it on the reveal trailer almost one year ago, we played them in the betas, there’s a crapload of videos on youtube about it.
We knew about the class trait lines overhaul MONTHS before the release, it was implemented some time ago, once again we tested it in the beta.
We knew most of the stuff you’re complaining about, you should do your research before you buy a game. That’s like buying fallout 4 next month and complaining it’s not a RTS.

First of all kiddo, I was in Iraq for the past 6 months, so computer access to check up on a games expansions wasn’t exactly top priority. When it was first announced, THATS what was said, learn to read. Not everyone just sits at home at mommies house and plays with their neckbeard and cats. And I didn’t even purchase it. kitten .

So “vet”, being in Iraq is a magic get-out-of-customer-kitten-up card? or is it’s Anet’s fault? it’d take you less than 2 hours to read on EVERYTHING.
Let’s play this scenario in other game
I buy the upcoming SC2 expansion, go on the forum and complain it wasnt focused on the hybrids like I expected, everyone + their grandmother points out that Blizzard announced the fact that it’d be focused on protoss for ages before it was released, can I say “screw ya all kiddos, I was in Iraq!”
Or I buy battlefront and complain that it’s not a star trek game, everyone points out that it was never advertised as such, so I’ll just say “screw ya all kiddos, I was in Iraq!”.
Next I buy Dragon Age 3 and complain that it’s not a continuation of Mass Effect, everyone points out that it was my bad, so I’ll just say “screw ya all kiddos, I was in Iraq!”
Could go on forever….

All of your post is a personal attack and a pathetic attempt to glorify yourself and excuse your lack of research before spending your money, I guess that means you’ve no real argument to make.

If Legend of Zelda came out tomorrow, the usual
forum dwellers would go nuts about the need to
“grind” to get exp, new swords, new potions etc

(edited by Raziel.4216)