Guild Wars 2 Beta Weekend 3 Final impressions and reflections.

First, let me say this: the Asura are a combination of Dobby the house elf and Dennis Leary singing the asshole song. I mean, really, the developers have created a ‘trolling’ race for all the smug, superior asshats that they act like. I like the concept, but the execution has me wondering if I can stomach 80 levels worth of time invested.

I can honestly say I did not spend more than a few levels with them; mostly due to not being able to play much of the weekend (curse you, life priorities!).

While I did not get to play asmuch as I wished I could have, Lexibug and I managed to delve quite a bit deeper into the Sylvari storyline. I will keep storylines and spoilers to a minimum, but in the several days past the end of the beta, I’ve done a lot of reflecting to provide why I find this race so much more interesting than the others.

The biggest thing that stands out to me is that ArenaNet have made two separate games.  You have the Charr, the Humans, the Norn and even the Asura. World domination, uneasy treaties and war is their motivation.  But the Sylvari don’t really know of war.  All they really know is that they have their sacred text, and the Nightmare Court is made of rogue Sylvari that want to destroy the teachings of the text and ‘free’ the Sylvari from its influence by, you know, killing them all.

Noone expects the Sylvari Inquisition!  ahem.

It turns out that while you’re still in the dream (before you are ‘born’/awaken), you apparently get your life’s purpose.  Spoiler-free, I can say that that is an interesting idea and twist, as well.  And the fact that some poor plant people have impossible tasks which mean they’re supposed to just die is ..well, refreshingly dark.

Next time, we’ll talk experiences with particular classes instead of races.

First up, will be the Necromancer.

Keep checking back for more articles on Guild Wars 2!