Prior to game launch and post-launch discussion about GW2 PvP, a lot of people were upset (and rightfully so) of the exclusion of GvG at launch. I did enjoy GvG but my favorite GW1 PvP moments came from the Tomb of Primeval Kings later renamed and moved to Heroes’ Ascent when tentacles and what not kittened the tombs entrance. This was the name of a global tournament that put teams across all regions against each other continuously.
Reason I bring this up is because THAT’s how a tournament should feel like. Compared to the current free and paid tournament system, Heroes’ Ascent was a tournament system done right. You advanced through a cycle of maps ranging from annihilation, capture the relic, yes even conquest and to king of the hill. What was really cool was that Hall of Heroes (final map) had three different modes and kept it from getting stale.
The best part? You could prove your worth by defending your #1 spot and sit in Halls and fight on waves of challengers all climbing the tournament system provided your group was good enough. It also happened to be a 3 way map. You don’t have to leave until you finally get crushed! The reward chest for the winning teams were really rewarding AND your Guild/Group’s name was broadcasted throughout the game with the conclusion of each match. People that weren’t as deeply involved in the PvP scene still had an idea of the strong figures in the mist at times. And avid PvPers ate that up, everyone wants to dangle their huge kitten.
Before they patched it to be in relation to achievements, fighting for your region to be blessed with favor of the gods in the Hall of Heroes also gave reason and meaning to the fighting. Underworld and Fissure of Woe entrance being linked to a tournament taking in a mystical realm felt just right and also was a neat little way to bridge PvE and PvP.
There’s a lot I feel tPvP can take from Heroes’ Ascent, they’re both similar sorta in structure as far as tournaments go, elimination winner moves to next round. I know I’m not alone when I feel tPvP is seriously lacking. I understand that they didn’t want a huge barrier of entry to the competitive scene for GW2’s PvP. But I feel they went too far and on the flip side instead created a stale environment.
TLDR: Coming from GW1, I was really let down by the tournament system as far as a competitive mode goes when I had something as good as HA in GW1. It had the perfect recipe of incentive and rewards, interesting map/gameplay, and the opportunity to gain and spread reputation of your crew. It was ahead of its time and I haven’t had as good of a PvP in many games since.
(edited by Lumines.3916)