Guild Wars (PC)

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Like I said - architecture: a strong point

If I attacked an enemy that was of a higher level than me, I would die. If I attacked an enemy the same or of a lower level, I would most likely win. This system, simple as it seemed, made me a happy Bunny of Doom(TM). It didn't come across as difficult, though it wasn't easy - but it most certainly doesn't force you to level up for weeks on end before tackling one of the larger creatures. In my play-through, level five was a high number (though the option was there to start at level 20, for testing purposes we all opted to start at level one) - check the numerous screenshots for highlights of some action through our collective stay in the game.

After a while of adventuring in a twosome, I decided I wanted to explore alone. Fair do's - click on leave party, you're single and free to do as you please again. Exploration was my first port of call, with some of the maps being surprisingly large and full of little secrets and enemies to test yourself against. It was during my explorations I came across the real deal-breaker for me personally. Melandru's Stalker. A mystical black panther that hung around a shrine to somebody called Melandru. Well, this name didn't suit me, so I just went by calling him 'Panface.' It amused me, and that's all that matters. Anyway, Panface - after I seduced him to my side - was a very helpful companion, following me wherever I went and smacking anybody/thing that dared get too close to me - he even had the courtesy to level up, so I wasn't left with a pansypanther after too long.

Again, the pet system has been employed in other games, I know this, but this is the first time I have been involved myself. And it was a pleasure. I actually grew very fond of my sleek companion, and even got a (tiny, tiny, tiny) bit upset when he was killed at one point - even if he was resurrected soon after.

Outdoor areas are huge

My adventures grew tiring - I was going to the same places and doing the same things. I was pretty badass and difficult to defeat. So I decided, with my tail between my legs, to go back to Ascalon and put in my service time. The gates to the Academy were opened and I was thrust (after another download) into the midst of a PvP battle, which totally took me off guard. While Panface handled things with all the class I would have expected, I just ran around trying not to get killed. I failed on the not getting killed count three times, meaning my team lost 4-3. Whoops... Anyway, I was soon presented with a new cutscene, this time of a group of the bad guys operating some kind of magical device. Lo and behold, the end of the world prophecy came true, and as fire rained on the beautiful green lands below, I began to wonder if this were merely a clever way of ending the beta session.

Far from it.

On the cutscene ending (and another download, surprisingly) I was thrust back into Ascalon City. A burning hunk of rubble, with devastation as far as the eye could see. This was the world I inhabited now. Dark, dank and shattered. A complete juxtaposition of the original lush splendour that had initially presented itself. This was my new world, and it was far more dangerous than the last. The players running around this city knew what they were doing. There were no 'n00b' questions scrolling up your chat bar - there were people selling weapons with more power than I imagined I would see on a mere weekend on the game. I actually got a bit scared, feeling I wouldn't be able to cope with things in this new, hardcore land.

On taking a mission to defend the Northern Wall from invading forces, I assembled a group of four adventurers - random strangers who were more than happy to join my mission, and whom were thoroughly friendly and helpful throughout. As we went out into the wastelands to fight back against the attackers, I was suddenly in the midst of a wonderful feeling, as the telltale high pitched roar came forth from Panface. Thank god the little beggar was still around. The six of us slew our way through dozens of minions of the bad guys, til we reached the top of a canyon. Peering over, we were presented with the sight of hundreds of the gits. They saw us. We ran. A lot. Returning to the wall and warning the guard, we were all rewarded, and the mission was over.

The legendary 'naked dancing outside a church' session, instigated by Ianos of Ian

Before I knew it, Sunday night had been and gone, and the beta weekend event was over. I had lived, loved and learned in the unreal life of MMORPGs. And I had really enjoyed myself. The simplicity, combined with relative depth and general ease of use all made for a thoroughly enjoyable package. Couple these with the fact that the game will not be charging a monthly usage fee, and you have all the signs of a very popular game. It can be played in short bursts and you won't be penalised for not being a level 40000 uberman of doom. It is simple, but not easy. Ergonomically well designed, with the streaming structure and suchlike, it won't kill your bandwidth either. It's a good game and I'm guessing it will do well. If I do end up picking up the finished copy on its release, I can probably say good bye to my "real life." Well, for a while, at least. And that, my friends, is what scared me.

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