Guild Wars 2

Lets be honest: collecting the sky crystals, an elaborate jumping puzzle; Belcher’s Bluff and Sanctum Sprint, mini games; collecting parachutes, mini dungeons and jumping puzzles; while many may find these fun and interesting activities, one can’t help but to wonder where is the story in it all? Breathtaking scenery, check; cliche plot devices(a bazaar of dangerous and mysterious traders), check; they even establish the antagonist and conflict, but then what? Its great to experience and take part in the festival, but if the plot is based on garnering favor for the campaign trail, then shouldn’t we see and take part in their efforts? Why can’t the designers implement the mini-games into the story and kill two birds with one stone; an interesting activity for players that also furthers the plot.

-Maybe Evon could set hire a mysterious bazaar trader to scam the Zephyrite’s leader into an unfair trade, then swing in and save the day, thus acquiring the man’s favor.
-Keil could notice this and inform the leader, but indebted as he is (and buttered up on onnyberry, as he and Evon are playing a friendly game of Belcher’s bluff), he would refuse to believe her.
-Keil would hear of a trial where one collects sky crystals to prove they embody the Zephyrites spirit and abilities.
-Impressed at her prowess the Zephyrites leader feels the need to rethink his decision, and would propose that Keil and Evon take part in the upcoming sanctum sprint tournament, the winner of which, acquiring his trading rights.
-After Evon loses, the Aetherblades could rush in, revealing him as their backer.

There’s so many ways they could have kept this content, yet implement a story, but once again, we are left wanting.

You remember the beginning of Flame and Frost? Help Refugees!

You remember the beginning of Dragon Bash? Fight Holographic Minions!

You remember the beginning of Bazaar of the Four Winds? Collect Sky Crystals!

This is the setup for what is coming next. There are already hints as to what that is. Be patient and wait for the story to progress.

Who even said Evon was a villain? He doesn’t seem like a villain just a money hungry charr…. Also, be patient, the story clearly isn’t finished here, it’s just giving us small bits of background through ambient talk and events.

PS: Aetherblades and Zephyrites don’t like each other, but the Aetherblades very much want what the Zephyrites have.

I have played Bazaar and I don’t even remember who Evon is, and I kinda don’t even care to look it up

Esplen.3940:

You remember the beginning of Flame and Frost? Help Refugees!

You remember the beginning of Dragon Bash? Fight Holographic Minions!

You remember the beginning of Bazaar of the Four Winds? Collect Sky Crystals!

-Flame and the Frost was a very bad example, as it only became interesting, it only became detailed and interactive at the conclusion. A setting and thrilling conclusion are not enough to make a story.

-Dragon Bash was a lot more engaging yes, but was filled with weak characters.

-The Bazaar of the Four Winds? All the achievements are out, none of which dictate any form of story progression. But lets say they hid these to keep the player base from complaining about spoilers; even if the story does pick up, I still feel it could be improved by merging the content with the story more efficiently.

Flame and Frost is a great example because everyone goes to “Flame and Frost” when thinking about content that ANet has done right.

Dragon Bash had terrible characters, but the event itself was great.

Bazaar is still at the “Dragon Bash”-ish phase of the event. The next part will most likely be released in 1 week (the tuesday after this tuesday).

You can’t start a epic story with the climax. This is the introduction for Sky pirates and the merchants they plunder. The story will evolve over 2 or 3 month. With new areas to explore.

I don’t think these factions are temporary. Anet seems to be trying hard to develop good lore between these factions.

Unlike the Molten Alliance does not have a lasting presence in the game world.

Stormcrow.7513:

I have played Bazaar and I don’t even remember who Evon is, and I kinda don’t even care to look it up

I believe that must be because anet kinda expects that we know who he is. I mean, he is the guy that signs every TP related news, the big charr that is at the TP in LA since ever, that one guy the owns the Black Lion Trading Post. He is the kind of character that had been on our faces all the time for the last year so he doesn’t really need a proper introduction, I guess.

About the “failed living story”… I’ve been enjoying the updates so far (except for Southsun. The way that the story was delivered was simply awful), so I don’t really think it is failing at all. I’m enjoying talking to the Zephyrites and learning everything I can about them. Overhearing the conversations between the npcs is also a great way to learn more about them. I’m especially fond of the song that they sometimes start singing.
“Alas, alas, we’ve no more peace…”

Esplen.3940:

Flame and Frost is a great example because everyone goes to “Flame and Frost” when thinking about content that ANet has done right.

Dragon Bash had terrible characters, but the event itself was great.

Bazaar is still at the “Dragon Bash”-ish phase of the event. The next part will most likely be released in 1 week (the tuesday after this tuesday).

No, everyone refers to the ENDING of Flame and Frost as an example of what living story should be; Flame and Frost at it’s core, was all over the place. There is no doubt that Dragon Bash was fun, I’m merely stating that the story could have been improved upon with stronger characters. And I feel the suggestions I made for Keil, could bringer her into a better light, and make the player base more fond of her. For every good protagonist needs to be kicked into the slug, and crawl their way out.

Where you here for Halloween?
It started with creepy doors and nothing else for days. They dont give you everything at once. Because wed devour it all at once.

They are already setting up the Kiel Evon story and that is clearly going to overlap with the Four Winds, starting on the 16th.

Patience.

Well said Lutinz. That is a nice summary of everything that has happened so far. I think people that say there is no story don’t really pay much attention. They probably skip cutscenes, click that green arrow to get a conversation over with, and just don’t pay the environment much heed. It’s like skipping quest dialogue in WoW. “I have no idea why I’m killing x number of y so there’s no story.”

Theres an arguement to be made that there could be an issue with how the story is presented since many people are missing important details but I don’t think the issue is the story itself.

Durzlla.6295:

Who even said Evon was a villain?

“His” trading company sells RNG boxes. He’s a villain.

Lutinz.6915:

I think alot of people have missed alot of the developing story.

Show Spoiler

hide spoiler

Lets start with Flame and Frost. In it we see the very unlikely dredge and Flame Legion allaince, the Molten Alliance. Their goal does seem conquest oriented but much of their focus was on developing an amalgum of magic and engineering. When attacking their facilities we find they are using slaves to mine a substance called Azurite that seems to have the properties of being able to conduct magical energy and seems to be part of how their technology works.

In the wake of this we find out another fact. It was a third party that arranged the allaince and though we know what the dredge and Flame Legion were after this third group remains out of sight including what it got out of the deal.

Secrets of Southsun was a break in the story used to introduct Keil and Kasmeer.

With the Dragon bash festival we are introduced to said festival. At the height of the festival, an act of sabotage kills one of the leader of LA and introduces a new enemy, the Aetherblades who we all know are sky pirates. Unmasking Mai as the murderer we discover that the Aetherblades saught to secure a place on the Captian’s Council.

Now the interesting part. In attacking their base of operations we discover three facts. One is that the Inquest is supporting them. Second is that the Aetherblades themselves lack the skills to mantain their gear by themselves (Keil states this). Third, we discover Mai, leader of the Aetherblades, has a boss, Scarlet.

Now we have two groups with someone manipulating them from the shadows.

The festival ends with Mai telling us that the Aetherblades arent done yet.

Now we have the Bazaar of the Four Winds. Theres alot to the story and lore of the Zephyrites. Infact the Zephyrites may have something of increadable value.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgFdfuuRkRg

He has some points wrong but the general gist is there.

So now we have a group working from the shadows. connected to the Inquest, and who have recently formed a force of Sky Pirates, and a sky ship potentially holding artifacts and knowledge of great power…..

And thats ignoring Mr E., Marjory and Kasmeer’s connection to the corruption in the Ministary in DR, the politics of LA and the personal stories of Braham and Roxx.

And people say theres no story in the Living World story…..

I think the issue is more that people are missing the threads of the story for whatever reason.

Idk how you manage to put all that together without an empty bedroom wall, a dozen rolls of scotch tape, a cheap color printer and a creepy stalker mentality.

Go get a copy of ‘War & Peace’ but only read one and a half sentences per day. Let’s see how long it holds your interest.

And another thing…the murdered Charr at the Dragon Bash wasn’t dead. I revived him, using shadow refuge, but he wouldn’t say anything. He just stood there looking stupid so I logged out at 50% meta completion and haven’t logged on since.

Elbegast.6970:

Lutinz.6915:

I think alot of people have missed alot of the developing story.

Show Spoiler

hide spoiler

Lets start with Flame and Frost. In it we see the very unlikely dredge and Flame Legion allaince, the Molten Alliance. Their goal does seem conquest oriented but much of their focus was on developing an amalgum of magic and engineering. When attacking their facilities we find they are using slaves to mine a substance called Azurite that seems to have the properties of being able to conduct magical energy and seems to be part of how their technology works.

In the wake of this we find out another fact. It was a third party that arranged the allaince and though we know what the dredge and Flame Legion were after this third group remains out of sight including what it got out of the deal.

Secrets of Southsun was a break in the story used to introduct Keil and Kasmeer.

With the Dragon bash festival we are introduced to said festival. At the height of the festival, an act of sabotage kills one of the leader of LA and introduces a new enemy, the Aetherblades who we all know are sky pirates. Unmasking Mai as the murderer we discover that the Aetherblades saught to secure a place on the Captian’s Council.

Now the interesting part. In attacking their base of operations we discover three facts. One is that the Inquest is supporting them. Second is that the Aetherblades themselves lack the skills to mantain their gear by themselves (Keil states this). Third, we discover Mai, leader of the Aetherblades, has a boss, Scarlet.

Now we have two groups with someone manipulating them from the shadows.

The festival ends with Mai telling us that the Aetherblades arent done yet.

Now we have the Bazaar of the Four Winds. Theres alot to the story and lore of the Zephyrites. Infact the Zephyrites may have something of increadable value.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgFdfuuRkRg

He has some points wrong but the general gist is there.

So now we have a group working from the shadows. connected to the Inquest, and who have recently formed a force of Sky Pirates, and a sky ship potentially holding artifacts and knowledge of great power…..

And thats ignoring Mr E., Marjory and Kasmeer’s connection to the corruption in the Ministary in DR, the politics of LA and the personal stories of Braham and Roxx.

And people say theres no story in the Living World story…..

I think the issue is more that people are missing the threads of the story for whatever reason.

And another thing…the murdered Charr at the Dragon Bash wasn’t dead. I revived him, using shadow refuge, but he wouldn’t say anything. He just stood there looking stupid so I logged out at 50% meta completion and haven’t logged on since.

LMAO!!!!!!!!!

Failed? This is pretty fun to me, even without the story.

Elbegast.6970:

Lutinz.6915:

I think alot of people have missed alot of the developing story.

Show Spoiler

hide spoiler

Lets start with Flame and Frost. In it we see the very unlikely dredge and Flame Legion allaince, the Molten Alliance. Their goal does seem conquest oriented but much of their focus was on developing an amalgum of magic and engineering. When attacking their facilities we find they are using slaves to mine a substance called Azurite that seems to have the properties of being able to conduct magical energy and seems to be part of how their technology works.

In the wake of this we find out another fact. It was a third party that arranged the allaince and though we know what the dredge and Flame Legion were after this third group remains out of sight including what it got out of the deal.

Secrets of Southsun was a break in the story used to introduct Keil and Kasmeer.

With the Dragon bash festival we are introduced to said festival. At the height of the festival, an act of sabotage kills one of the leader of LA and introduces a new enemy, the Aetherblades who we all know are sky pirates. Unmasking Mai as the murderer we discover that the Aetherblades saught to secure a place on the Captian’s Council.

Now the interesting part. In attacking their base of operations we discover three facts. One is that the Inquest is supporting them. Second is that the Aetherblades themselves lack the skills to mantain their gear by themselves (Keil states this). Third, we discover Mai, leader of the Aetherblades, has a boss, Scarlet.

Now we have two groups with someone manipulating them from the shadows.

The festival ends with Mai telling us that the Aetherblades arent done yet.

Now we have the Bazaar of the Four Winds. Theres alot to the story and lore of the Zephyrites. Infact the Zephyrites may have something of increadable value.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgFdfuuRkRg

He has some points wrong but the general gist is there.

So now we have a group working from the shadows. connected to the Inquest, and who have recently formed a force of Sky Pirates, and a sky ship potentially holding artifacts and knowledge of great power…..

And thats ignoring Mr E., Marjory and Kasmeer’s connection to the corruption in the Ministary in DR, the politics of LA and the personal stories of Braham and Roxx.

And people say theres no story in the Living World story…..

I think the issue is more that people are missing the threads of the story for whatever reason.

Idk how you manage to put all that together without an empty bedroom wall, a dozen rolls of scotch tape, a cheap color printer and a creepy stalker mentality.

Go get a copy of ‘War & Peace’ but only read one and a half sentences per day. Let’s see how long it holds your interest.

And another thing…the murdered Charr at the Dragon Bash wasn’t dead. I revived him, using shadow refuge, but he wouldn’t say anything. He just stood there looking stupid so I logged out at 50% meta completion and haven’t logged on since.

Do you want me to reference all the details there cause I can. I just wanted to avoid a massive wall of text no one would read. All those details have been in the Living World Story. You just needed to be paying attention.

And as for the Charr… I wasnt talking about him. The death (that mattered) was one of the Captian’s Council who actually died later of his wounds.

These facts aren’t that hard to find. You just need to pay alittle bit of attention…. which seems to be a problem with MMO stories of any depth.

Depth? In a game that revolves around players mindless clicking and getting rewarded for bashing the 1 key? Oh wait, there’s auto attack…

My only gripe with it so far is that player action has no effect on the story whatsoever. Otherwise it’s good. :P

Esplen.3940:

Depth? In a game that revolves around players mindless clicking and getting rewarded for bashing the 1 key? Oh wait, there’s auto attack…

I said story not combat system….. What does the combat system have to do with the Living World story?

Lutinz.6915:

Esplen.3940:

Depth? In a game that revolves around players mindless clicking and getting rewarded for bashing the 1 key? Oh wait, there’s auto attack…

I said story not combat system….. What does the combat system have to do with the Living World story?

It to go hand in hand. Most players don’t need to think while they play, so they don’t tend to think while they play. It’s a reason why zergs are so rampant in every method of play.

Well, honestly all this new updates are boring, at least for me. Its all like collecting coins in Mario B. games, running for achievement points and nothing more. I dont want new minigames and small playgrounds. What about big Orr-like place with twenty huge new events and 5 dungeons with armor/weapon/trinket rewards, all of it hard and challenging stuff? Nope? Next-time we will help quaggan kids with their homework?

Esplen.3940:

Lutinz.6915:

Esplen.3940:

Depth? In a game that revolves around players mindless clicking and getting rewarded for bashing the 1 key? Oh wait, there’s auto attack…

I said story not combat system….. What does the combat system have to do with the Living World story?

It to go hand in hand. Most players don’t need to think while they play, so they don’t tend to think while they play. It’s a reason why zergs are so rampant in every method of play.

The combat system has been an inherent part of the game since launch. It would be better to discuss it as a general issue rather than in reference to the Living World story. Thats much more specific. Also, when I was refering to Depth I was refering to the story and only the story, not any other element of the game, including the actual way they present the story, which I think requires more tweeking.

Honestly I think you’ll find that there isnt much that is going to drastically change the combat system since its an structural issue and literally would require major reworking of the games engine.

Anyway this thread is about the Living World story. And that is what I have been refering too. All the stuff I listed in my spoilers have been part of that story.

stop making Arcade Wars and bring back Guild Wars.I cant understand why the developers hate so much the previous game and try to make a completely different and worst game than the first.If you want to be different try first to adopt and evolve the ideas of the first game and then bring in new ideas.And of course stop making us feel like playing super mario 3d.

I’m not really here for the story so I don’t care that much.

Now, I’m a big reader and I do like the “lore” – but that’s not why I’m here. To me that’s just extra.

And, honestly, the characters and writing in general is way less… erm… kitten-y than the last MMO I played so I can’t really complain.

The zone is fun, it looks amazing, and the story is at least believable and doesn’t make me want to throw things. There’s room for improvement, sure – but I do definitely think they laying the “groundwork” at this point. This is just the first few chapters of a story. If they DON’T go that route with this it’s a big, stupid mistake – but if they’re not stupid they’re introducing us to new characters/factions. I feel like the Aetherblades had a good introduction – it was dynamic and filled with action and I don’t mind that this one is a “break” from that – in fact, it’s probably a good thing.

Ceallach.8740:

I feel like the Aetherblades had a good introduction – it was dynamic and filled with action and I don’t mind that this one is a “break” from that – in fact, it’s probably a good thing.

Except that this isn’t a break at all, there is an event right up near the Zephyr Sanctum that involves us helping to repel an Aetherblade strike team. Their motives are unclear at the moment (at least I think they are) other than “raid the bazaar and steal their stuff” but actually I think it goes beyond that. I suspect we will see another link in the story chain that Lutinz has laid out for us so clearly above.

(By the way, thanks for that Lutinz, I hadn’t joined up some of those threads; putting it all in one place really helped.)

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Lets be honest: collecting the sky crystals, an elaborate jumping puzzle; Belcher’s Bluff and Sanctum Sprint, mini games; collecting parachutes, mini dungeons and jumping puzzles; while many may find these fun and interesting activities, one can’t help but to wonder where is the story in it all? Breathtaking scenery, check; cliche plot devices(a bazaar of dangerous and mysterious traders), check; they even establish the antagonist and conflict, but then what? Its great to experience and take part in the festival, but if the plot is based on garnering favor for the campaign trail, then shouldn’t we see and take part in their efforts? Why can’t the designers implement the mini-games into the story and kill two birds with one stone; an interesting activity for players that also furthers the plot.

-Maybe Evon could set hire a mysterious bazaar trader to scam the Zephyrite’s leader into an unfair trade, then swing in and save the day, thus acquiring the man’s favor.
-Keil could notice this and inform the leader, but indebted as he is (and buttered up on onnyberry, as he and Evon are playing a friendly game of Belcher’s bluff), he would refuse to believe her.
-Keil would hear of a trial where one collects sky crystals to prove they embody the Zephyrites spirit and abilities.
-Impressed at her prowess the Zephyrites leader feels the need to rethink his decision, and would propose that Keil and Evon take part in the upcoming sanctum sprint tournament, the winner of which, acquiring his trading rights.
-After Evon loses, the Aetherblades could rush in, revealing him as their backer.

There’s so many ways they could have kept this content, yet implement a story, but once again, we are left wanting.

Do you have a reason to paint Evon in such a bad light? It’s not like he’s Consortium. I’d appreciate a more open mind until he actually does something negatively affecting LA.

Unless this leads to new ‘real’ zone very soon, I will be very disappointed. That is, Crystal Desert or otherwise, not a mini-zone of Southsun quality.

(Or Anet could get back to seriously improving the existing game world and giving reason to go there, as more than half the zones have barely been played, while the others have been done to exhaustion.)

SynfulChaot.3169:

This is the setup for what is coming next. There are already hints as to what that is. Be patient and wait for the story to progress.

What story? There is a story? I am getting no immersion of story what so ever. The only time I ever understand what is going on with the story is by reading reddit posts (or watch WoodenPotatoes) about it. The “living story” to me doesn’t make me care enough (Even with the characters we meet in Personal story [except Tybalt] and Living Story) to delve into it. To me all this is “Ooooo limited timed items!” Honestly, who reads the mail they receive at the beginning of every new content update? I just click the “show me” and then go look up Dulfy for a guide.

perhaps give this a view.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgFdfuuRkRg Might help shed some light…

There seems to be a lot of emphasis on crystals in this patch… I’m wondering if it has any connection to Kralkatorrik/Glint/Crystal Desert through talking to the NPCs. They seem to have bits of information we can piece up.

Edit: Oh wow, someone else has been digging up more information then me lol.

I’ve had some strong criticism of some of the previous living story, but I’ll be honest – this one has been my favourite so far. I’ve found it a lot of fun and it feels less grindy than the other ones. Definitely a step up as far as the living story is concerned, from my perspective.

Go to craigsted. Poor Braham

Chippalrus.5437:

SynfulChaot.3169:

This is the setup for what is coming next. There are already hints as to what that is. Be patient and wait for the story to progress.

What story? There is a story? I am getting no immersion of story what so ever. The only time I ever understand what is going on with the story is by reading reddit posts (or watch WoodenPotatoes) about it. The “living story” to me doesn’t make me care enough (Even with the characters we meet in Personal story [except Tybalt] and Living Story) to delve into it. To me all this is “Ooooo limited timed items!” Honestly, who reads the mail they receive at the beginning of every new content update? I just click the “show me” and then go look up Dulfy for a guide.

Honestly, if your not going to take the time to look at the information they give you, listen into the conversations and read the dialog then your going to make it very hard to give you a story you will find immersing. Your kind of your own worse enemy with this.

Chopps.5047:

Go to craigsted. Poor Braham

Yeah, poor guy. His love life doesnt seem to be panning out quite how he was hoping.

Looks like if people don’t get the story shoved up their face they don’t know what is going on and will say ‘’Bad story, you only do this and this mechanic.’’

Guys, if you are so kitten interested in the stories that you so much seem to be, go and talk to NPCs, go and listen to them talking, find hidden books or whatever.

Don’t come here and complain when you clearly don’t even look for the story.

And there is so much more behind this than that.

You seem to need to dig a bit for story, which players aren’t prepared to do – they want it all given to them in convenient, quick cut-scenes. I think there is lore to be had, but that said, the story does seem to progress VERY slowly. Perhaps it will speed up now we’re getting fortnightly patches. A lot of the superficial stuff (achievements, mini games) is there to give people a reason to play, something to work toward, and something to earn.

Farzo.8410:

Guys, if you are so kitten interested in the stories that you so much seem to be, go and talk to NPCs, go and listen to them talking, find hidden books or whatever.

More or less, this.

Maybe this will be an ok vid to see:

Lutinz.6915:

Chippalrus.5437:

SynfulChaot.3169:

This is the setup for what is coming next. There are already hints as to what that is. Be patient and wait for the story to progress.

What story? There is a story? I am getting no immersion of story what so ever. The only time I ever understand what is going on with the story is by reading reddit posts (or watch WoodenPotatoes) about it. The “living story” to me doesn’t make me care enough (Even with the characters we meet in Personal story [except Tybalt] and Living Story) to delve into it. To me all this is “Ooooo limited timed items!” Honestly, who reads the mail they receive at the beginning of every new content update? I just click the “show me” and then go look up Dulfy for a guide.

Honestly, if your not going to take the time to look at the information they give you, listen into the conversations and read the dialog then your going to make it very hard to give you a story you will find immersing. Your kind of your own worse enemy with this.

It isn’t that I am not taking the time to look for the information. It’s that I don’t feel connected to the story. I feel detached in GW2 compared to GW1 where story was a bit more consistent.

Joseph Skyrim.2470:

My only gripe with it so far is that player action has no effect on the story whatsoever. Otherwise it’s good. :P

Now this I can agree with. Unfortunately, ANet has adopted that approach in the Personal Story they had 5 years to work out, so stories produced in a shorter time frame are probably going to continue to display this fault.

Lower.7492:

What about big Orr-like place with twenty huge new events and 5 dungeons with armor/weapon/trinket rewards, all of it hard and challenging stuff? Nope? Next-time we will help quaggan kids with their homework?

Celtus.8456:

Unless this leads to new ‘real’ zone very soon, I will be very disappointed. That is, Crystal Desert or otherwise, not a mini-zone of Southsun quality.

There are Roughly 26 zones not including Southsun or Labyrinthine.
The development of this game took about 5-6 years.
That is about 1 zone every 2.54 months. Given that they are now doing an update every fortnight, there isn’t really time to make a ‘real’ ‘Big Orr-like place with 20 huge new events and 5 new dungeons with rewards’ (a 55.55% increase in the number of dungeons in the game.)
Yeah. Not enough time.

There’s enough time to make gem store vuvuzelas.

Mastruq.2463:

Do you have a reason to paint Evon in such a bad light? It’s not like he’s Consortium. I’d appreciate a more open mind until he actually does something negatively affecting LA.

We do not know whether Evon is evil or not, that was merely a suggestion of one of the many ways they could have incorporated the story into the game play. As it is now, the pace is very slow, and they throw out a lot of meaningless random content, such as Belchers Bluff and searching for kites and baskets which have little relevance. I do not include the sky crystals in my critique, because there are rumors they may have a connection to Glint, yet even the collection of these could have been executed in a more story proactive way. I suppose my original tittle for this thread should have been “how GW2 could merge story with game play,” because that is what I feel is weak in this, if not all chapters.

I don’t understand how it has failed when it is so much fun.

Goatjugsoup.8637:

I don’t understand how it has failed when it is so much fun.

I was referring the the depth and presentation of the story itself, not how enjoyable the bonus content is. Just because the sex is amazing, doesn’t mean the relationship is great.

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Goatjugsoup.8637:

I don’t understand how it has failed when it is so much fun.

I was referring the the depth and presentation of the story itself, not how enjoyable the bonus content is. Just because the sex is amazing, doesn’t mean the relationship is great.

So because you’ve had sex without knowing your partner, you’re going to assume that they’re a bad person?

We’ve just scratched the surface of this story.

Esplen.3940:

Mia Lunarfang.5826:

Goatjugsoup.8637:

I don’t understand how it has failed when it is so much fun.

I was referring the the depth and presentation of the story itself, not how enjoyable the bonus content is. Just because the sex is amazing, doesn’t mean the relationship is great.

So because you’ve had sex without knowing your partner, you’re going to assume that they’re a bad person?

We’ve just scratched the surface of this story.

This is true, I really should refrain judgement until the end… but that’s why I stated I butchered the tittle. I still hold the firm believe that their presentation could use a lot of work. For example, Belcher’s Bluff is a mini-game devised from an Order of Whispers mission, so using that same concept, why can’t they introduce these entertaining games while carrying the plot forward? I think it would add depth to the games, and make the story all that more fun and interesting.

I think you have a point when it comes to the presentation of the story (Secrets of Southsun did a pretty awful job of explaining the plot to players) though Im not sure the examples you have come up with are the best way to do it. The LS is certainly not without issue.

I do think the actual story is fine however there is issues of focus. For example they really need to be working on making us more interested in the upcoming vote. Currently Keil and Ebon are kind of… undeveloped. Certainly many of the finer plot points of the LS seem to have been missed by people and thats a shame.

Still the LS has only really now finding its stride and they have been improving. They need to tackle the issues with story presentation and the ability of people to catch up/recap the story so people dont get left behind. They like to refer to a favorate TV show, but the thing with a TV show is you can rewatch older episodes. I understand their arguement on why they want to keep the world moving forward but they need to create a way for people to at least have a ‘Previously, in the Living World’ thing.

The story itself however I currently think is pretty solid.

As far as the Living Stories go so far:

Flame & Frost had a dynamite premise and mid-story, but the ending was weak. An alliance between two existing factions would put the fear into their mutual adversaries. The sense that the alliance was making progress, bolstered by the refugees’ plight, was well done. However, that the alliance fell apart when their weapons’ workshop(s) were destroyed was a mediocre to poor ending. They should have been set back, but we should still see Flame Legion in Dredge areas and Dredge in Flame Legion areas.

Secret of Southsun was weak all throughout. Why am I helping the Consortium? If I’m helping the settlers, why am I fighting them? So, this Sylvari is the bad guy because he incensed the wildlife because he was angry with the Consortium’s exploitation of the refugees? I don’t blame him. Someone took him down (not me, I wish I could have fought beside him), but the zone is now a wasteland.

Dragon Bash began strong, but got bogged down in playing errand boy/girl. The murder mystery was well begun, but playing detective by clicking on suspects was meh game-play. Thus the revelation of the culprit was not exciting.

Sky Pirates was mediocre also. The presumption is that there is more to them than just a group out to disrupt Dragon Bash, but there is little to point to their real motive. The story’s resolution was through the hardest dungeon fights (for me) in the game.

Bazaar has a good premise. Competition for a lucrative trade arrangement is a staple of fiction. I’m waiting to see if anything I do has any outcome on the trade war between the Lionguard/Kiel and private enterprise/Evon, and who else might get involved.