You wrong there, because there really isn't any underwater hype surrounding the game and underwater content is generally not popular, because it has never been done well before. The difference here is that ArenaNet are getting rid of all the annoyances that pi$$ people off, about underwater content in MMORPGs and creating a system that actually works. That's all people are looking forward to... experiencing a type of content in a different light, but looking forward to doesn't equal hype.

BTW... If people navigating underwater for the 1st time can do it quite seamlessly, I don't the average playing wouldn't be able to get used to it.

I think it's good material for an expansion, but I definately don't consider it important to be in a release. 

Originally posted by Vhaln

I think it's good material for an expansion, but I definately don't consider it important to be in a release. 

Well too late... it's already there for you to experience or ignore.

I hate water combat  since Everquest.

That's over a decade of hatin` right there.

So I don't care what Anet did with it I'm not getting my feet wet in GW2, unless it's mandatory content or sumsuch in which case I'll bitch about it on forums I guess...

Originally posted by Benjola

I hate water combat  since Everquest.

That's over a decade of hatin` right there.

So I don't care what Anet did with it I'm not getting my feet wet in GW2, unless it's mandatory content or sumsuch in which case I'll bitch about it on forums I guess...

I might not be here to see this lol

As I see it, when I played RIFT I thought it was a nice touch just to be able to swim and collect things. Same with AoC. When I played Aion, I was stunned to realize that you can drown and couldn't even swim in the game. I think it's expected at this point for MMO's to give you the ability to swim otherwise it takes away from the immersion that you may drown because the Dev's didn't plan on making a character be able to swim.

I think it's going to not be a problem.  Underwater to me still feels very much like "2D+Z" and not like true "3D".  I don't know if anybody here is old enough to remember this Descent video game but I just don't see GW2 playing like it.  I think people are going to stick to a normal up and down, still strafe more or less in a horizontal circle.  Even in full 3D like Descent you can see how the player tried to maintain an orientation when he could. 

At least in GW2 PVE anyway, who knows if PVPers are going to take bunny hopping to a whole new level in PVP.

I think underwater mostly adds some nice flavor.  I used to love Kedge Keep in EQ.  I think it will be fun to not have to worry about breath or awful corpse runs, or hopefully the absolutely insane trains caused by spells hitting every mob on the Z axis...

how does Underwater work in GW2?

i love underwater content if its well implemented. I really enjoyed Vashj'ir in WoW, everything was very smooth down there, unlike other games that let you fight underwater (like Perfect World) and they only let you move underwater in straight lines, not freely.

Im looking forward to GW2 underwater content. I would dislike any new mmorpg that designs beautiful lakes and oceans and dont let you explore it.

What underwater hype? The underwater features of GW2 were basically introduced as icing. "Our game is doing all these new things, here's yet another example of that" *shows underwater combat*, that's basically the 'hype' you speak of. I haven't seen anyone raving about the game for it's underwater combat, nor buying the game based on that feature. It's just a nice little 'something extra' that is being included. The game doesn't revolve around it in the least.

Originally posted by MMOExposed

how does Underwater work in GW2?

Underwater is pretty simple in GW2. Basically, each class has a 2nd toolbar that swaps out when you start swimming. The skills differ, depending on class, but they are all themed after things the class would be seen doing. For example the engineer can shoot a fishing net at the target, while an ele can sink a target down into the depths.

From what we've seen you can pick & choose your underwater skills, so you don't get caught off guard once you enter a water-based area. There will be underwater areas to explore, achievements to obtain, etc.

Also everyone has a breathing aparatus they put on when swimming. So you don't have to worry about oxygen meters, just the swarms of angry fish & sharks that may try to eat you..

For me, the more avenues of gameplay and exploration in an MMO, the better.  Look at SWTOR's water situation.  Apparently water is only knee to waste deep in the whole universe.  That kind of thing just kills immersion for me in the first place.  If I had my way, these games would have land, sea, air and space gameplay if it made sense.

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Originally posted by MindTrigger
For me, the more avenues of gameplay and exploration in an MMO, the better.

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This.

Underwater means new and varied environments to explore rather than a hassle. Never been a fan of underwater content, haven't seen an MMO pull it off yet. Anets' vision definitely looks to be going in the right direction. The videos show a rich environment rather than just a space with depth and some seaweed scattered here and there, too often the case with most games. Having the skills switch to make more sense is a great addition too. As with most things in GW2 it's another step in the right direction.

I usually really despise underwater content in MMOs. However, I do think GW2's looks a lot better. Even still its more of a "they've done a good enough job that I wont hate underwater content, but it will never be my favorite feature".

change of scenery. also fighting in 3D space is awesome. too bad there's no flying... or am i wrong? flying ships whats up with that..

Originally posted by MMOExposed

how does Underwater work in GW2?

watch this video, HD, gameplay by arenanet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je0mT7AHKqI

Originally posted by WellzyC

A'nets's most attractive quality with the development of GW2 is their vision, trying to end the Clone Wars once and for all. Looking at their list of ideas you can tell they are trying to come up with a unique game that is completely new from the Copy Paste mmo that we have seen in the last few years.

 

One thing I really like about them is how they listen to the player base about content and things that we like about MMOs, and more importantly, what we HATE about MMOs. 

 

That in mind I have to ask the community, what’s with all the underwater content hype? I have always avoided the underwater parts of mmos and scoffed when they add a new zone or content that requires you to go underwater, and these are my reasons why.

 

I am an old school gamer, thus I key bind EVERYTHING, even if possible the pitch of my camera. I only use my mouse to target far way objects or pan my camera quickly. With underwater content adding that Z axis is just a headache when you use the arrow keys to move and strafe. After playing Aion as a Melee having flight was a nightmare when trying to chase down someone who is kiting you. The Z axis is just annoying for trying to maneuver in combat and that’s why i hate under water content.

 

Anet is making underwater content a HUGE part of the game. Thinking back to Trials of Atlantis for DAOC, and the underwater zone in WoW, I shudder at the thought of underwater.

 

 

There are certainly pros and cons to underwater content.  

It definitely tends to be more difficult to execute some abilities, particularly ground effect AOE abilities, when factoring in the Z axis.  Depth perception can become an issue too if you do not constantly rotate your camera a little.  However, many enjoy the new freedom that comes with 3 dimensional motion.  

Other traditional issues players have with underwater content include agonizingly slow movement speed, breath timers, and unrealistic combat (ie. fire spells.)  Of course, some players whose immersion hinges on absolute realism might actually prefer slower movement speeds in water (or even limited carrying capacity/no heavy armor) or very quick breath timers, but for others, these limitations are nothing more than annoyances and have created a negative association with all underwater content.

As far as these 3 factors go, GW2's design will eliminate the traditional annoyances in favor of ease of play, hoping players won't be as inclined to avoid the water.  But as the OP listed, I thought the Vashj'ir zone in the last WoW expansion got rid of most of the typical underwater hindrances as well.  While I enjoyed the zone, it still received very mixed reviews by players.  Maybe some of it is just an aversion to change; maybe some is just an environmental preference.   

i chose priest in WoW specifically so i could levitate over the Junk that is water.

"If you love Underwater  Content in MMOs,  you'll love Guild Wars 2 Underwater content. If you hate Underwater  Content in MMOs,  you're really going to love Guild Wars 2 Underwater content".

Sorry, I couldn't resist, but it is actually appropriate. You can't really pre-judge Underwater Content in GW2 based on underwater content in other games. It adds some really cool environments, gives you new skills to play with in a truly 3D environment, while eliminating the downsides to underwater in other games.

I think its popular because its just not done too often. Its something or one of the few things that can actually feel "new" in a mmorpg if its done right.