Most detail, some of the best graphics, most addictive gameplay has made this game the absolute best pc game released.
Also, remember that this game is neither classified as an rpg OR an mmorpg/mmo- regardless of what gamespot says it is.
~~REVIEW~~
Gameplay: NCSoft has removed almost all flaws of common gaming, and in this expansion, has added near-infinitissimal playability. What is probably most appealing is the level to detail, which outstrips games lke Oblivion. The constant raging war is one of my favourite additions- u can fight a whole side of thousands instead of one on one or guild v guild. And it does this in a really awing way, contray to most war games. As close to flawless as any game has ever been: 10/10
Graphics: The modelling is quite simplistic (too much so) but the texturing and softglo is amazing and gives it an artwork- or even masterpicece- feel. When travelling you may find yourself stopping to take in the breathaking landscape, with a great fantasy feel, in Cantha. While the physics could be a lot bmore unlimited, the animations are gorgeous. A well-deserved 10/10.
Sound: Often neat orchestral scores. Voices can be unrealistic. 8/10
Technology: The techonolgy reamins, in essence, the same, while NCSoft seems to have focused on the level of detail, as well as playability. However, there have even yet been several MAJOR changes. The graphics were massively updated- a mean feat. Even more applaudible is the staff-controlled events, ranging from random quests and storms to wars with monsters being individually controlled. Finally, the streaming allows them to patch and boy do they ever patch- see 'value'.
Value: With expansions being released every 6 months, each costing the same as the last, and the game's addiction making you really want to buy more, can make costs add up pretty quickly. However, it still far outstrips the value of lesser online games such as WoW. You are looking at about $100 a year instead of $230 to $280 for games such as WoW. Guild wars servers use their streaming to provide massive patches/updates- and soem may even remember the really generous addition of a massive new region last summer. Finally, Guild wars is now addign $10 character slots, to avoid having to buy another game/account at full price.
Overall Score: 98/100
Comment: Revolutionary