Guild Wars 2

Firstly, I have to say that I’m biased, as someone who mains guardian. That being said, I understand the class relatively well with over 1400 hours played on my guardian.

The firebrand is an interesting take on an elite specialization. It brings back the old Tome elite skills in a different way via virtues. That being said, it has flaws. As far as the tomes go, the range of many of the tome skills seems far too short, such as the first chapter of the tome which replaces virtue of Justice. Additionally, the cast times feel too long, and hinder the tomes. Moving on, let’s talk about the weapon skills. I actually love the axe, I have been waiting for guardians to gain access to it since before dragon Hunter was announced. The axe skills are awesome. As far as the utility skills go, I don’t like that they are done through mantras. However, they are different than those of the mesmer. However, like the tome skills, they need an increase in rage. Aside from that it seems to have great potential. I for one am looking forward to building a condition firebrand for PoF..

@Aidan Savage.2078, I understand that is the policy as of right now. I mentioned so in my post.

@Lazaar.9123, You posted a claim, with no evidence to support this claim. That being said, how valid is a claim with no evidence to support it? Furthermore, macro’s can be used for tasks other than using a set of abilities in a sequenced and timed order.

@Lazaar.9123, How would macro’s make the average player skill go lower? Could you perhaps provide some form of evidence, or instance where similar events have happened?

@Azreal.4960, the resources that Arena Net would likely employ to enable macros would prove beneficial to the community regardless of whether or not macro’s are enabled. These resources would prevent cheating in a multitude of cases. As a result, I can say that these would not be wasted.

@Azrael.4960, I acknowledge the fact that their are those would attempt to abuse macros. However, I am almost certain that Arena Net could detect this abuse in real-time through the packets of data that the client must to send to the servers in order to establish constant communications(which is required to play any MMO). Thus, these players could be punished for their actions in relevant time. Additionally, Arena Net could also detect any possible work-around these player may attempt to use to abuse the macro system without detection.

@Sera.5916 , I agree that in Player versus Player game play, macros could be an issue. However, macros could also be a toggle-able attribute to all modes of game play (Player versus Environment, Player versus Player, etc.); this would allow Player Versus Player lobbies to specify whether or not macros are enabled within that match.

@Wanze.8410 , I have no desire for any ‘bots’ to exploit any game features to their advantages. Furthermore, if Arena Net chose to monitor player activity (specifically for macros, hardware which effects game play, etc.) through the game client, this would not be an issue; for these players would be exposed.

Throughout the years, many great MMORPGs have risen to the fore-front. However, a select few can be considered distinct from the rest. While Guild Wars 2 should be considered one of the great MMORPGs of today, due to its ‘cut above the rest’ unique game-play and game mechanics, their are some controversial game-play modifiers that should be reconsidered.

Throughout my experience playing Guild Wars 2 (over a year playing on my account), I have encountered a few frustrating mechanics. For instance, stacking might via blast finishers in a fire-field can be a kittenallenging when you receive a burst of network latency. In fact, such obstacles can completely obstruct a rotation. When such obstacles occur, I cannot help but think to myself, “If only I could Macro this ability (an ability with a blast finisher) to cast after this ability (An ability which creates a fire field)”. While I personally find macros to be a potential game-play enhancer, I do respect Arena Net’s policy. As a result, I refrain from using such concepts. However, one should consider why ‘macros’ are a ban-able offense. Does Arena Net fear the potential exploitation of certain in game futures due to macros? If so, why are these features released in the first place?

Ultimately, their are two sides to macros. While I will refrain from using such concepts due to policies, I urge the community, as well as developers, to reconsider these fundamental utilities. After all, the idea that a player creating a tool to further enjoy this great game (without cheating) should be honorable. If this is considered offensive, then Arena Net’s definition of offensive could indeed be absurd.