I thought I would add my share of feedback into the forums which seem like a bit of a pity party lately. I doubt there’s anyone who remembers me anymore, but I used to play the game from launch for about 9 months as an Australian/Oceanic sPvP/tPvP player. Ive recently returned after a 2 year hiatus and wanted to give Arenanet some feedback on my experiences as a practically brand new player again.
Not that it matters, but for reference I had around 500 ranked games up when I left and my personal milestone was being in the top 500 for a while, nothing special but I will queued my way there.
Now, first of all. The UI and system changes since launch are unreal, I’m actually super impressed. The ease of jumping into PvP now is quite incredible. No longer do you have to trawl through vendor UI’s buying specific runes, sigils and amulets and weapons then putting it all together. It’s really well done now within its own UI with drop down menu’s, I like it. I’m not a fan of the gold cost to unlock certain pieces though, but it’s leaps and bound me better then it was.
The specializations UI is amazing compared to its predecessor which was clunky as hell and much harder to make new builds then it is now. I wish there was a save/load build function though but it’s not completely necessary.
The reward track concept is really solid IMO, I’m always feeling rewarded for playing any mode at any level, another great addition.
Onto Leagues and Divisions. I love the way the UI is really clear with this, and no need to talk to an NPC anymore or buy “Paid” tournament tickets. I’ve been playing ranked and working my way through Amber which has been a to me of fun. My skill level has dropped since I last played and I’ve found 95% of my games in the Amber/Emerald division to be pretty good and relatively even with only the occasional blow out. I love the way the whole system works and how you progress upwards until you find your skill cap.
The “Meta”. I’m not too fussed with it to be honest. I see all this talk of bunkers, wish I would get some on my team though but I’m yet to see one on the enemy team either so it doesn’t worry me. I’m starting to win a lot more of my 1v1’s and team fights I’m involved in which is encouraging, the pace of most matches are decent and not being instagibbed as a dps guardian is definitely much better pacing then I remember.
Anyway, sorry for the wall of text. I’m loving the game again, I’m enjoying solo queue and I feel like a pair of fresh eyes on the UI and systems in place is a good thing.
All in all, keep up the good work Anet.