A few weeks ago there was a thread created that talked about MMORPGs - Final Fantasy XI in particular. Well, since Guild Wars is an MMORPG, I initially thought of posting it there, but it isn't FFXI - related, so I changed my mind. Anyway, on to the good stuff:

For those of you who don't know, Guild Wars is an upcoming MMORPG. Yeah, yeah, add another one to the pile of "Don't Play Anymore Games." This one's different - it's has no monthly fees [GASP!]! It has good graphics [GASP]! It will actually be fun [GASP!]!

Seriously though, all I have to say is it's about time.

Here are some links:

Gamespy Preview

IGN Preview

Official Website

Here's a screenshot to get a good idea about the graphics [keep in mind that this is an early screenshot and the graphics are not yet complete]:

One little problem... servers and customer service don't come free. I have to wonder how well this game will be supported without the monthly fees to pay the bills.

I've wondered that too..... I suppose they hope to advertise it enough to gain enough income to keep it running......

I honestly have no idea though.

The Blizzard rejects will find a way! If not,then one of the main attractions that seperate it from the rest are gone. So unless it has uber-fantastic gameplay,im probably going to buy it as much as im going to date a cactus.

It looks like a graphically enhanced Morrowind type world with a little more visual sparkle. It looks interesting enough but probably something I would only play over LAN. IMO the game industry needs to start marketing games for LAN use on user servers that will comfortably handle 20 people with a host that has a DSL or Cable connection (or closed networks are always fun too). I think that multiplayer RPG gaming should appeal more to getting you closest friends together and partying that way (which is how we do DII at this school, it's still fun so long as you don't have 12 year old n00bs flashing their hacked items) than a server with hundreds of player scambling for the bestest equipment. A little OT, but I've said my piece.

After browsing through the site, I have to say it looks to have promise. It does not necessarily say the game is free (it seems many MMORPGs have free downloads then charge for service). If they sell the game itself for a reasonable price, and manage to keep away from the temptation to switch to a pay-to-play model, I can certainly see myself playing and enjoying the game.

I'll also share concerns on how they plan to keep running...pay for compulsory updates to the software? An expansion coming out every other week that is required to play the game?

In fact, ArenaNet has stated that every six months they will release an optional expansion (i.e. you can buy it, but don't have to). I am really looking forward to Guild Wars and will definitely play it (actually, I've already joined a guild). Besides, Blizzard is also able to keep Battle.Net running, isn't it?