I've been a victim of the hype train. Many, many times. Please note that this is a VERY effective strategy and is akin to government mind/psychology control tactics in WW2. Playing MMOs is kind of like gambling, because you are essentially gambling your money on something that has a probability to go certain ways. The chemical directly responsible for this "hype rush" that so many gamers and gamblers have is called Norepinephrine, and is a stress hormone. 

With scientific fact out of the way, I ask you - am I the only one waiting for reviews or at least until everything dies down to see if it is actually indeed worth it? 

60$ is a lot in today's day and age. Now, I understand people usually counter this with the fact that that 60$ will bring more entertainment and value for a much longer time than other things, making it a good investment. However, this is only true if said person continues playing it until he/she reaches their money's worth, which does NOT usually happen with me. I usually play games for a day then get bored when I realize how little freedom they provide. And when they provide too much, I get irritated and overwhelmed. It's a viscious cycle. 

That said, I have watched a TON of videos and I'm afraid this might appeal to the themepark/WoW crowd. Literally, probably the same people that go to theme parks and ride rollercoasters. Not those people that would prefer to go into the woods and build a cabin and create their own adventures. You see what I'm getting at? The potential lack of recurring interest for the sandbox crowd. 

Furthermore, the combat in PvP and in general is very unappealing to me, and while I hate being an egoist I am amazed at how many people actually like and engage in it. 

Let me provide an example so you (the reader) and I can see eye to eye. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAEUXoq3EIs

This is apparently a good video of GW2 pvp. I cannot say so myself because it still looks like complete and utter crap to me. Let me explain...actually I am afraid I cannot put it in much words. Just look at it. Isn't it abysmal? I mean, all that WoW crap. Tab target, which means you don't aim (but you still do! I know, I know. GW fanboy), constant spamming of spells, bright colors blocking the crap out of everything, and numbers and xp flying everywhere across the screen. Compare it to Skyrim, and it is utterly horrendous. I'm not saying Skyrim's system was better, because it sucked, but I think it is established that combat like Skyrim and Mount&Blade is so much more appealing. I don't even know why myself, perhaps it is the sheer unpredictability of the physics, or perhaps it is because it feels like you are actually really fighting like people would fight. Hit a guy with a well placed arrow, and he can actually fall to his death off the castle roof. Or he might not. Battles possibilites are endless this way! I dunno, I sometimes want to feel that I'm fighting a real fight, and these 2 games give me the closest thing possible. I know video games aren't supposed to be about real stuff, but that is where immersion comes in.

Unfortunately I think GW2 PvP mainly consists of how spell X counters skill Y, and it pretty much boils down to two people mashing their 1-5 moving weirdly around. In a perfect world, I would like this to be more tactical, skill, and war based - FPS targeting, flanks, cover, positioning, and ragdoll. However, sometimes I am amazed by the amount of people who played games like Devil May Cry 3 and massively enjoyed those senseless button mashing/numbers flying out of head games while I would look and laugh. So my opinion may be entirely void, but at least I am not harming anyone. But I digress. 

Thoughts?

Yeah, you probably are.  Most of us realize that reviews these days arent reviews so much as paid puff pieces.

They can't be critical of a product when their revenues is dependant upon advertising dollars from the same companies producing those products.  So reviews = useless.

Originally posted by Hrimnir

Yeah, you probably are.  Most of us realize that reviews these days arent reviews so much as paid puff pieces.

They can't be critical of a product when their revenues is dependant upon advertising dollars from the same companies producing those products.  So reviews = useless.

 

Yes I agree. I am waiting on honest and mostly user and youtube reviews, not IGN etc...

I gotta say though that the environments in GW2 are simply amazing. 

Originally posted by D3lit3

I've been a victim of the hype train. Many, many times. Please note that this is a VERY effective strategy and is akin to government mind/psychology control tactics in WW2. Playing MMOs is kind of like gambling, because you are essentially gambling your money on something that has a probability to go certain ways. The chemical directly responsible for this "hype rush" that so many gamers and gamblers have is called Norepinephrine, and is a stress hormone. 

 

With scientific fact out of the way, I ask you - am I the only one waiting for reviews or at least until everything dies down to see if it is actually indeed worth it? 

 

60$ is a lot in today's day and age. Now, I understand people usually counter this with the fact that that 60$ will bring more entertainment and value for a much longer time than other things, making it a good investment. However, this is only true if said person continues playing it until he/she reaches their money's worth, which does NOT usually happen with me. I usually play games for a day then get bored when I realize how little freedom they provide. And when they provide too much, I get irritated and overwhelmed. It's a viscious cycle. 

 

That said, I have watched a TON of videos and I'm afraid this might appeal to the themepark/WoW crowd. Literally, probably the same people that go to theme parks and ride rollercoasters. Not those people that would prefer to go into the woods and build a cabin and create their own adventures. You see what I'm getting at? The potential lack of recurring interest for the sandbox crowd. 

 

Furthermore, the combat in PvP and in general is very unappealing to me, and while I hate being an egoist I am amazed at how many people actually like and engage in it. 

 

Let me provide an example so you (the reader) and I can see eye to eye. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAEUXoq3EIs

 

This is apparently a good video of GW2 pvp. I cannot say so myself because it still looks like complete and utter crap to me. Let me explain...actually I am afraid I cannot put it in much words. Just look at it. Isn't it abysmal? I mean, all that WoW crap. Tab target, which means you don't aim (but you still do! I know, I know. GW fanboy), constant spamming of spells, bright colors blocking the crap out of everything, and numbers and xp flying everywhere across the screen. Compare it to Skyrim, and it is utterly horrendous. I'm not saying Skyrim's system was better, because it sucked, but I think it is established that combat like Skyrim and Mount&Blade is so much more appealing. I don't even know why myself, perhaps it is the sheer unpredictability of the physics, or perhaps it is because it feels like you are actually really fighting like people would fight. Hit a guy with a well placed arrow, and he can actually fall to his death off the castle roof. Or he might not. Battles possibilites are endless this way! I dunno, I sometimes want to feel that I'm fighting a real fight, and these 2 games give me the closest thing possible. I know video games aren't supposed to be about real stuff, but that is where immersion comes in.

 

Unfortunately I think GW2 PvP mainly consists of how spell X counters skill Y, and it pretty much boils down to two people mashing their 1-5 moving weirdly around. In a perfect world, I would like this to be more tactical, skill, and war based - FPS targeting, flanks, cover, positioning, and ragdoll. However, sometimes I am amazed by the amount of people who played games like Devil May Cry 3 and massively enjoyed those senseless button mashing/numbers flying out of head games while I would look and laugh. So my opinion may be entirely void, but at least I am not harming anyone. But I digress. 

 

Thoughts?

 

 Completely agree with the highlighted :).

Jokes aside, I would recommend watching some of Taugrim's GW2 PvP videos.  You may find that there is more to it than you have assumed.  Also, I apologize if the video you linked in indeed Taugrim...I can't watch YouTube here.

It honestly sounds like GW2 is not the game for you. That's okay though. You can play something else that might cater to your interests.

I don't think any positive reviews are going to change your perception of the game as you seem to have done your homework.

No, you're not the only person waiting on reviews.

I'll never, ever understand these topics where people ask if they're the only person who holds a fairly common opinion.

I refuse to acknowledge that as a useful topic title unless you're on some crazy fetish website saying something like 'Am I the only person who likes licking Jello off the knees of midgets', where you're GENUINELY unsure if there are other people like you.

Also, I like Mount & Blade but I ALSO like chess.

GW2 falls somewhere on the spectrum in between simulation and complete abstraction game.  Not all types of combat appeal to all people.  So it's not completely crazy that you dislike certain types.

I'm rather catholic in my tastes, and that allows me to enjoy a variety of games.

Also, I'm pretty sure people who build log cabins in the woods aren't hanging around playing EVE, they're... y'know, building stuff.  In the woods.  Being manly and awesome and wrestling bears, not playing a video game where they're pretending they're making stuff.  :I  Both themepark and sandbox players are a lot alike, they just have different taste in games, it's not like the sandbox people are these rugged pioneer sorts or something.

The only reviews that interest me are my own opinions or those of a very select number of people I've gamed omver the years...

Re: your last paragraphi, seems to me you just like FPS. Personally, I don't want my mmorpgs to play like fps et all. That's not why I play them.

No. Got some friends thats r waiting at least couple of month. 

Even if GW2 will be as succesfull as it hyped, first 2-3 month will be just too mad. All the chat trolling in hounour of "mighty god GW2", very unsettled economy, two many people server hoping... etc

Headstart not gonna be fun at all.  Want it or not u will get draged in a tidal wave of DE.

So IMO i would wait.

Originally posted by D3lit3

I've been a victim of the hype train. Many, many times. Please note that this is a VERY effective strategy and is akin to government mind/psychology control tactics in WW2. Playing MMOs is kind of like gambling, because you are essentially gambling your money on something that has a probability to go certain ways. The chemical directly responsible for this "hype rush" that so many gamers and gamblers have is called Norepinephrine, and is a stress hormone. 

 

With scientific fact out of the way, I ask you - am I the only one waiting for reviews or at least until everything dies down to see if it is actually indeed worth it? 

 

60$ is a lot in today's day and age. Now, I understand people usually counter this with the fact that that 60$ will bring more entertainment and value for a much longer time than other things, making it a good investment. However, this is only true if said person continues playing it until he/she reaches their money's worth, which does NOT usually happen with me. I usually play games for a day then get bored when I realize how little freedom they provide. And when they provide too much, I get irritated and overwhelmed. It's a viscious cycle. 

 

That said, I have watched a TON of videos and I'm afraid this might appeal to the themepark/WoW crowd. Literally, probably the same people that go to theme parks and ride rollercoasters. Not those people that would prefer to go into the woods and build a cabin and create their own adventures. You see what I'm getting at? The potential lack of recurring interest for the sandbox crowd. 

 

Furthermore, the combat in PvP and in general is very unappealing to me, and while I hate being an egoist I am amazed at how many people actually like and engage in it. 

 

Let me provide an example so you (the reader) and I can see eye to eye. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAEUXoq3EIs

 

This is apparently a good video of GW2 pvp. I cannot say so myself because it still looks like complete and utter crap to me. Let me explain...actually I am afraid I cannot put it in much words. Just look at it. Isn't it abysmal? I mean, all that WoW crap. Tab target, which means you don't aim (but you still do! I know, I know. GW fanboy), constant spamming of spells, bright colors blocking the crap out of everything, and numbers and xp flying everywhere across the screen. Compare it to Skyrim, and it is utterly horrendous. I'm not saying Skyrim's system was better, because it sucked, but I think it is established that combat like Skyrim and Mount&Blade is so much more appealing. I don't even know why myself, perhaps it is the sheer unpredictability of the physics, or perhaps it is because it feels like you are actually really fighting like people would fight. Hit a guy with a well placed arrow, and he can actually fall to his death off the castle roof. Or he might not. Battles possibilites are endless this way! I dunno, I sometimes want to feel that I'm fighting a real fight, and these 2 games give me the closest thing possible. I know video games aren't supposed to be about real stuff, but that is where immersion comes in.

 

Unfortunately I think GW2 PvP mainly consists of how spell X counters skill Y, and it pretty much boils down to two people mashing their 1-5 moving weirdly around. In a perfect world, I would like this to be more tactical, skill, and war based - FPS targeting, flanks, cover, positioning, and ragdoll. However, sometimes I am amazed by the amount of people who played games like Devil May Cry 3 and massively enjoyed those senseless button mashing/numbers flying out of head games while I would look and laugh. So my opinion may be entirely void, but at least I am not harming anyone. But I digress. 

 

Thoughts?

 

Some RL friends and myself are waiting about a month.. till the dust settles.

If its as good as we all hope a month wont mattter because it will be growing for years to come.  Without the gear disparity I really dont feel rushed.

Originally posted by Meowhead

Also, I'm pretty sure people who build log cabins in the woods aren't hanging around playing EVE, they're... y'know, building stuff.  In the woods.  Being manly and awesome and wrestling bears, not playing a video game where they're pretending they're making stuff.  :I  Both themepark and sandbox players are a lot alike, they just have different taste in games, it's not like the sandbox people are these rugged pioneer sorts or something.

That part killed me. You post really awesome stuff.

OP: Apparently you don't like fantasy or magic. From your post about how too much colors and stuff on the screen it seems you really don't like magic at all or at least magic with special effects, you like watching the opponent, something that unless you area a warrior or playing a shooter won't happen.

Have a good day on your next game, bye.

I bought it, it looked like a quality product, and I mainly got it for the WvWvW....I will get my money worth out of that alone, even if it is meh.....

Their is no sub, and as long as they don't get crazy with the cash shop, it seemed like a low risk investment.

I played the first beta event after the pre-orders, tried the necro & ranger , two classes I often play, the pve seemed mediocre (and no, it wasnt because I refused to dodge etc...)...My ranger pet kept dying about every fight (read they made him a little tougher I think, so its not a rez fest?)...I was just not blown away like many people, but I will do some reading/watching videos and try to find a good class/race to start with for me, and go back at it.  I often play ranged classes, and my wife often plays support classses (cleric/enchanter), so she may have a harder time than me, finding a class she likes, with the 'trinity gone'...

I would agree on the reviews and such being not worth much, as are the awards, GW2 just won one, TOR was mmo of the year, I said it was like someones mom telling them they are smart and handsome....

If every dollar is sacred, then maybe hold off for a trial, but you should get your money worth out of it.

Originally posted by Rattus

It honestly sounds like GW2 is not the game for you. That's okay though. You can play something else that might cater to your interests.

I don't think any positive reviews are going to change your perception of the game as you seem to have done your homework.

Hello Rattus, 

It's really not okay.  I constantly keep thinking something is wrong with me after I read about people telling you how awesome it is and you not seeing it. I sometimes wish I could enjoy themeparks. 

There is honestly nothing else to play, that is why I really want to take up a new game that is as epic and polished as GW2, but at the same time it is hard for me to distinguish between games like Rift and GW2, for example, because minus the setting and classes the combat is all to familiar, you know? 

Originally posted by Adiaris

The only reviews that interest me are my own opinions or those of a very select number of people I've gamed omver the years...

Re: your last paragraphi, seems to me you just like FPS. Personally, I don't want my mmorpgs to play like fps et all. That's not why I play them.

I guess you're right. That does not mean however that GW2 aspects do not appeal to me...the whole cooking gem craffting exploration thing is mind-boggling. I wouldn't mind just cooking all day long and looking for plants. If only the combat wasn't the majority of the focus...

Yes, you are.. :)

(NOTE: this is an automatic answer for any thread whose title starts with "Am I the only one...?".. :) )

Guild Wars 2 does deviate from lots of MMO cliches over the years... but it is not a full reinvention of the genre, and several conventions are still in place (hotbar skills, tab targetting, XP gaining, levels and so on). From what you've wrote, I'd tell you not to wait for reviews, you just want a game that's very different to what GW2 is, and I'd say most MMOs out there as well.

No game can be good or fun for everyone, and right now you're just looking for something else, nothing wrong about it, hopefully you'll find what you're looking for. Unfortunately based on your description, right now can't really think of any available or coming MMO that fits it to recommend to you.

My thoughts are that it starts in a couple days. No matter how bad you think parts of it are ie. wow themepark, pvp, the game is what it is. You can not change it. It is going to launch and thousands, no, millions of people are happy with it the way it is. If players don't like it by now, they never will. 

It is what it is, and it ain't nothin' else... Everything is clearly, openly, plainly delivered.

Originally posted by Angier2758
believe it or not intelligent people like different things....

 The world would be a better place if more people understood that in general.

It applies to all sorts of things in life.

I know really smart people who like Facebook games.  (shrug)

Originally posted by Hrimnir

Yeah, you probably are.  Most of us realize that reviews these days arent reviews so much as paid puff pieces.

They can't be critical of a product when their revenues is dependant upon advertising dollars from the same companies producing those products.  So reviews = useless.

 

This for the most part, oh and btw love your avatar, go Everquest!

@OP The game itself is $60 with no sub fee, I mean based on what I saw in gameplay vids the base game even with nothing else is worth the purchase price. I lucked out and had a gift card laying around so I got it for only $40. Aside from GW2 what other game is coming out that offers these type of features? I don't see anything until maybe next year, and even then there is no gurantee.

Yeah many of your mentions on this thread alone reveals just how much you are NOT "a victim of the hype train. " for example:

"Unfortunately I think GW2 PvP mainly consists of how spell X counters skill Y, and it pretty much boils down to two people mashing their 1-5 moving weirdly around. In a perfect world, I would like this to be more tactical, skill, and war based - FPS targeting, flanks, cover, positioning, and ragdoll. "

This alone speaks volumes about how little you know. The reason for the limited abilties is EXACTLY to make pvp more tactical. It's definitely not a button masher like WOW or some other tab targeting game out there where you try to use counters to keep you from dying, IE arena matches (laughably called matches i might add)

" Please note that this is a VERY effective strategy and is akin to government mind/psychology control tactics in WW2."

so Arenanet is now using subliminal waves in their videos to drum up business? Ever hear of the Red Scare? Yeah that's exactly what you're suggesting in this post. I mean we're sorry that you were duped into buying games like SWTOR and WoW's Cataclysm, but to be paranoid about it isn't helping you.

"I usually play games for a day then get bored when I realize how little freedom they provide." 

Definitely not an issue with GW2, it's an issue with you personally, you need to stop buying yourself themeparks and start playing Sandbox games like DayZ or Eve.

"Isn't it abysmal? I mean, all that WoW crap. Tab target, which means you don't aim (but you still do! I know, I know. GW fanboy), constant spamming of spells, bright colors blocking the crap out of everything, and numbers and xp flying everywhere across the screen."

this final statement reveals the true intent of this post. I'll be glad when they close the thread.

OP -

I have a group of friends that have expressed similar quandaries as you.  Most prefer long term sandboxy MMOs with a dedication to last years.  Not PVP focused nor simplistic in nature.

These friends have beta tested GW2 and have all decided against the game for a lot of the same concerns you are voicing,
 If you are still unsure, wait for a demo or for the inevitable bargain bin (which, unfortunately, may be latter than sooner).