Why Guild Wars 2 is a Top Game: Innovation, Dynamic Combat, and Unique Class Roles

Funny, I think GW2 is a top game partly for the same reasons you mention. The American studio Arenanet, which developed the GW2 (and its predecessor), has created a super innovative game instead of yet another WoW clone. Many of the innovations of GW2 later found their way into many other games (including wow).

Instead of the tap-target style gameplay that was the norm for mmos until then, GW2 came with a dynamic combat system, the right movements, positioning and reaction ability make a huge difference in the PvP modes of the game.

The makers of GW2 also managed to break through the classic and rather exhausted role-playing game of tank healer DPS. Instead of specifically blocking off certain classes for a certain role, the traits (a kind of skill trees) in combination with the right weapon set, skills and gear with the right stats offer different classes to take on different roles. Each class does this in its own unique ways, all with their own pros and cons, which makes for a fun and strong class identity. Furthermore, the roles required differ per encounter and it is often possible to take on more than one role. There are classic roles such as dps, healer and tank, but you also have boon supports, kiter and pusher.

Every encounter offers its own challenges and what works best differs per encouter. In some cases a lot of crowd control is needed, where the DPS players also have to bring specific CC skills, in other cases a lot of stability (protection against CC) is needed. In one case, condition damage (debuffs) is the most effective, while in other cases your strike damage (hit dps) is much more effective. This challenges players not to stick to the same role, but to adapt their playing style to the challenge that lies ahead.

In Guild Wars 2, a clear decision has been made to keep the so-called open world content accessible and to offer more challenge within the ‘instanced’ content (raids, strikes, fractal dungeons), especially if the players dare to take on the challenge modes. This ensures that the game caters to a wide range of audiences. If you fancy a chill gaming session, there is a huge open world to discover that is and remains completely relevant thanks to horizontal progression. But if you’re looking for a challenge, the dopamine rush you get when you finally beat a boss after being swiped five times can be found in the game’s instances.

Despite the game engine being more than 10 years old, Arenanet keeps up with the times and still manages to deliver top notch, level design, cinematics, soundtrack, voice acting and boss design, all without a subscription fee or pay to gain content. If you haven’t done so yet, I highly recommend you give this game a try. It is now possible to play a limited version of the base game for free and there are regular offers for the unlimited base game + the first two expacks for 7.50, a bargain if you ask me.

[Reactie gewijzigd door baseendje op 29 maart 2024 12:53]

2024-03-29 06:38:12
#NCSoft #approved #development #Guild #Wars