About a year ago many of us were eagerly awaiting the release of ArenaNet’s Guild Wars 2. After years of keeping up with news, and watching trailers over and over again, the time had finally arrived. Jump to a year later, the present. The Queen’s Jubilee is pitting players against waves of powerful enemies, and lost envoys are being attacked by Aetherblade Pirates. But like many other events before it, the Queen’s Jubilee will also hold a smaller event. One that will help celebrate the release of Guild Wars 2. This installment is called The Queen’s Speech.
Back in the old days of the original Guild Wars games, birthdays were celebrated for your character. At the birthday of your characters creation you would receive a present in your inventory. This little box of wrapped joy contained a random mini to follow you around as you walked around town. Birthday gifts are making a return in The Queen’s Speech, with players getting a brand new mini of Queen Jennah! It’s nice to see presents making a return, but I wonder if this is something we will see every year? If so would ArenaNet continue to make new minis based on important characters? I am hoping they bring back the random mini presents. Presents are suppose to be a surprise anyways, right?
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Playing through the Betas only made me want the game even more.
On the 20th players will be able to gather around as the Queen gives a speech to the people of Tyria. Could we see the Aetherblades interrupt the speech? Already they are causing a ruckus, trying to stop citizens and from reaching Divinity’s Reach. We also had a Watchknight go crazy! I have a feeling they are going to play a major part in the Aetherblade’s plan. And with cryptic hints from last week about someone named Scarlet spoiling the event, we'll just have to wait and see.
I’m not a huge fan of the Human race in Guild War 2. To be honest, I never roll a Human character in any MMO if I have other choices. Humans are boring to me. Every day I play "the game we call life" as a Human, I want to try something else. However I can see why ArenaNet linked the first birthday of Guild Wars 2 to a major event in Human history. Humans are the most played race in the game, and they were the only playable race in the original games. Even if you don’t like them, it all started with the Humans. It’s as much a celebration of the game's roots as it is for the game’s release.
Still I would like to see the birthday go to different race each year. How would the Charr celebrate a huge event? Do the Sylvari even know about the concept of a party? What would cause the other races to gather together and celebrate? Would it take the destruction of a threat, or perhaps a political treaty with the Tengu? Norns would actually be pretty predictable. Slay a large monster, bring some ale, and you got yourself a celebration! I actually want to play through that event.
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How would a Sylvari react after receiving a gift?
The Humans do have a pretty awesome party going on right now. The Crown Pavilion is a great place to take on some tough enemies with a group of players. The drop rates on the enemies also makes it a great place to gather some materials, or sell them for some extra spending money. But I’m getting really obsessed with the Queen’s Gauntlet. I wish it would stay after the end of the month, but sadly all things must come to an end. If you’re looking to increase your skill level, I highly recommend checking it out. Even if you just watch some of the other players take on the tougher bosses, you can learn a great deal to strengthen your own strategies.
Time flies when you’re having fun. I guess that’s why it still doesn’t feel like I’ve been playing this game for a full year. It’s also interesting to go back and look at all the ways the game has changed, mostly with making it easier to use. But also look at how events have become regular updates keeping players busy each and every month (or even every two weeks lately). They are getting closer and closer to creating a living world. It’s only been a year and Tyria seems to be on the right path to become something greater.
David North / David North is a freelance writer for MMORPG.com. David loves to play and makes games, but now he writes about them! If you want to creep on him and make fun of his ability to draw, follow him over on twitter @David_the_North.
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