The layout is unusable. No other way to put it, it just doesn't work.

Permanent death, Player-run settlements, Player-run economy, tons more!  The game just restarted development after a long hiatus, and kickstarter will begin soon.  Take a look at the FAQ, it's a very interesting concept.

http://trialsofascension.com/forum/?ref=119

Of course she would be scared.  It's the end of the world and the living are far more dangerous than the walkers.  They spotted her and she's terrified because there's a 50% chance they are a ssholes and will wind up harming or killing her.

6 hours lol you just ruined your own experience. if you sneak, immerse yourself into exploration and sidequests and take any effort in avoiding detection a single mission can take 3 hours.PetJel

If you sneak, hide, and go to sleep a single mission can take 8 hours.  It's a good game with an excellent atmosphere and it makes a great first impression; this is why I think reviews are so high.  But after a few hours you realize the gameplay is repetitive and uninspired.  A good game, worth $30-40.  Not a game people will be talking about 3-5 years from now though.

I think the combat is the number one killer for those who are used to playing EQ/WoW type MMOs.  I think if you're the type of person that like MMOs because of the combat then you probably won't like this game.  If you're the type of person that liked the idea of MMOs, but couldn't stand the slow pace of combat, then you'll love this game.

The art style I have to agree with.  However, the comical aspects of it aren't as bad as WoW in my opinion.

As far as the niches, yes everyone is a damage dealer.  Although, I haven't made it to late game yet, but I've heard that later on groups are formed with class roles in mind for the instances.

I think everything else you mentioned is either an improvement to the MMO genre or it's a feature that was created to help facilitate the fast-paced combat of the game.

I think GW2 needs to be looked at as more of an MMO Action RPG.  No, this won't be the WoW killer.  But a Diablo killer, I think that's a good possibility.

I don't see where dual-classing would benefit GW2, there is already kind of a form of dual classing by choosing your weapon.  A warrior can be like a ranger with a longbow or like an engineer with a rifle.  I wouldn't mind seeing a monk class in the future though--light armor and can use shortbow/staff/bare fists as weapons (not fist weapons!)

The game has more of an action-adventure combat style feel to it than other typical MMOs.  Combat is less planned and much more chaotic than WoW or similar games.  Instead of stopping at each camp to prep, marking the mobs and having a set rotation with specific character roles it's usually a giant mob gangbang zergfest.  I think this is what turns a lot of people off or on to the game, depending on how you feel about traditional MMO combat.

I also don't find the need to rush the grind in order to get to the end game.  There is no pressure to "get your money's worth" for the month since there is no monthly fee, or the need to keep up in leveling with your friends since the higher levels can play in lower level areas, or to get to the PvP end-game since everyone is pretty much put to equal standing in PvP.  I can wander around aimlessly just having fun without having to worry about levelling in the most effecient way possible.

So I would say if you like more of an action-oriented combat and the Elder Scrolls-like wandering around feeling, also with all the features you'd expect form a AAA MMO, then you'll sink in plenty of hours to justify $60 spent.

That clears some things up.  Looks like my fears are unwarranted for the most part.  Thanks!

I haven't played the game yet, but my question is does all content get scaled down or up to the player?  If so, I don't really see the point in leveling your character if it's going to be raised or lowered anyway to its environment.  I'm still looking forward to the game, but I'm just a little afraid that level scaling will trivialize character progression.

That's Steam.  A lot of people may buy the game through Steam, but use Sixlauncher to actually play it.