Guild Wars 2

In the last 2 weeks, I have played quite a bit of Guild Wars 2. In my opinion, it is currently the best MMO on the market. This post will just be a few brief words about my first experiences with the game. As my highest level character is only 30 (out of 80 levels) and I've played very little of the PvP or WvW game modes, this should not be considered a comprehensive review.

First, the movement controls in GW2 feel very tight and as I would expect based on my experience in playing World of Warcraft, which has perfect MMO movement controls in my opinion. The abilities are on a hot bar from 1 to 0, with a couple other skills mapped to F1-5 and the ` key depending on the profession (class) you are playing. Unlike most other MMOs, you are restricted to only this number of active skills at any given point in time, making it much less obnoxious in terms of key bindings in comparison to others. Keys 1-5 are based on your currently equipped weapon and profession. Key 6 is a healing ability, 7-9 are basic profession skills, and key 0 is an advanced skill.

Weapon abilities unlock as you use the weapon. When you dual wield, the main hand weapon decides skills 1-3 and the offhand decides 4 and 5, while 2 handed weapons come with all 5 abilities. Every profession starts with a healing ability, and can unlock others as they level. The basic ability slots unlock as you level, with abilities costing skill points to unlock. Skill points are earned on level, and can also be obtained through skill point challenges throughout the world. The advanced skill becomes available at level 30, and you can unlock those skills with a larger number of skill points.

Based on your choices during character creation (and some decisions as you progress through the story), your character develops in a personal story with the major characters in the universe. Almost all of the personal story quests develop through well voice acted sequences, with reasonably well lip-synched characters. Then on top of the personal story, each place you travel to in the world has regular events that you can participate in, or choose to leave on your journey. Your character naturally levels down to whatever area you are in, so adventuring remains a challenge even as you gain levels. This also makes it easy to jump in and quest with a friend who is lower level.

To top this all off, there is no monthly fee and the game can be had right now for only $60. If you know me personally and want to play with me, I'm on the Eredon Terrace World.