Guild Wars 2

The problem is with the mechanics of the class itself… When you give a class stationary summons that are essentially supposed to be ‘set it and forget it’, as opposed to more traditional pet micromanagement classes (Rangers, Mesmers, Necros etc.) you put yourself in the unenviable position of constantly trying to keep the stationary summoners in check, since at least in nature they require less effort (management) to succeed with and thus can very easily cross into overpowered territory.

Don’t believe me? Look at the long and battered history of Shaman in WoW. 90% of the game they have been noticeably underpowered, the other 10% noticeably overpowered. Or how about the spiritual predecessor to GW2 Engineers? Ritualists similarly had almost nothing but growing pains in GW1.

You are playing a class that, by its very design will always try to limit you more then everyone else, and at its BEST will allow you to sufficiently fill a niche role. But the only evident solution, as the OP suggests, to remove the main unique element of the class would almost certainly require gutting and a total overhaul/rework of the class… Which is a task rarely ever undertaken in MMO’s post launch.

Sorry to say it because I’m among those of you always drawn to these oddball classes, but Engineer as it exists should have never made it into the game.

Honestly… anyone willing to throw that kind of real money at a CHANCE to get a rare item(s) in a video game deserves to have that cash taken. Hope they consider it a lesson hard-learned.

Interesting to see ANet’s financial strategy at work though. People fork over ridiculous sums for imaginative vanity.

Agree with OP. When I opened the TP and saw how amazing the Phantom Hood and Mad King/Witch gear looked, I had my credit card out and ready to fork over some cash… luckily I read the description about town clothes only first. Hardcore bummer for my Necro.

Honestly, if the same quality was given to in game armor sets I probably wouldn’t care… most of which are pretty hideous though.