Guild Wars

 PC
  • Publisher: NCSOFT
  • Release Date: Apr 26, 2005
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 503 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 403 out of 503
  2. Mixed: 52 out of 503
  3. Negative: 48 out of 503
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  1. RedB.
    Jun 10, 2005
    4
    A game with a lot of potential that fails to deliver. For example, the designers wanted to reduce travel time, so introduced teleporting. Butthe cities are large and boring and you have to walk back again and again to mission sites so the travel time that is there is a worse experience than most games. A limit of 4 characters? Come on! The levels are structured so linearly you have to A game with a lot of potential that fails to deliver. For example, the designers wanted to reduce travel time, so introduced teleporting. Butthe cities are large and boring and you have to walk back again and again to mission sites so the travel time that is there is a worse experience than most games. A limit of 4 characters? Come on! The levels are structured so linearly you have to fight the same darn mobs again and again, you cant scale the shallowest hill or jump down the shallowest depression. And the fantasy is humorless and lifeless.… Expand
  2. GregZ.
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    This is the best game ever.
  3. Morgan
    May 30, 2005
    9
    Thank god I bought this before I made the mistake of buying Dungeon Lords! I've been playing it quite a bit. It plays fine on dial up. The only problem I have is with some of the creature AI (some attack and some don't - you can practically walk right through them) but, other than that, it's a gorgeous, well-balanced game. Another great point is that you can fully control Thank god I bought this before I made the mistake of buying Dungeon Lords! I've been playing it quite a bit. It plays fine on dial up. The only problem I have is with some of the creature AI (some attack and some don't - you can practically walk right through them) but, other than that, it's a gorgeous, well-balanced game. Another great point is that you can fully control the movement and view options. Each skill class has 150 abilities (plus you get 2 classes) so there's plenty of variety.… Expand
  4. ThiagoBertolottiO.
    May 30, 2005
    9
    The only thing I didnt like about this game is the fact that the world is restricted to you and your party. You wont see other players while questing, unless they're in your party, wich means you'll have to enter one of the PVP arenas if you wanna challenge someone. If you love PVP and dont mind paying monthly fees, go for Risk your Life, wich has the best PVP system in my The only thing I didnt like about this game is the fact that the world is restricted to you and your party. You wont see other players while questing, unless they're in your party, wich means you'll have to enter one of the PVP arenas if you wanna challenge someone. If you love PVP and dont mind paying monthly fees, go for Risk your Life, wich has the best PVP system in my oppinion. Now if you're looking for an addictive RPG, balanced economy, awesome graphics and gameplay and what is very curious about this game, there arent many kids playing, wich means its not so hard to have a good conversation or finding help, you'll love this game. I've played all kinds of RPGs so far, from Tibia to WoW, and I can assure you GuildWars is a good reason for you not to pay to play.… Expand
  5. AsheD.
    May 28, 2005
    10
    I think it isn't better then WoW but because of the non monthly cost i think guild wars earnd 10 points. the gameplay and the grafic is well. the quest good as well. but WoW makes more fun.
  6. Brad
    May 22, 2005
    9
    This also was my very first MMPOG because I cannot see paying a monthly for a game regardless of what it offers. I flat out love this game because its amazingly easy to just pick up and play. I have a wife and baby and I still get to enjoy this game without having to spend my life on it to have fun. The pvp is definately awesome and all the impatient whiners out there won't be This also was my very first MMPOG because I cannot see paying a monthly for a game regardless of what it offers. I flat out love this game because its amazingly easy to just pick up and play. I have a wife and baby and I still get to enjoy this game without having to spend my life on it to have fun. The pvp is definately awesome and all the impatient whiners out there won't be disappointed if they just stick it out to get that lvl 20 character. The pvp is insanely fun even moreso than the pve which is top-notch despite some minor quibbles that you've all read about. The one thing that I'm not crazy about is that there really is no sense of community or spirit of helping new people like I've seen in some other games I've played. Now I don't know if its any different in like say WoW or any other mmpog but this game for some reason brings out the selfish moron in alot of people. Even though you can't solo, people seem to just party for themselves and not the party. But when you do get a solid mature party which for me has been more often than not, its really great and well worth it. To date, this has been the best game I have ever played. WoW almost sucked me in.. I almost coughed up a monthly fee for that one and I almost got sucked in by the hype alone, but I guess what turned me off were the cartoony blocky graphics I saw in the screenshots. I read that most people praise that game for its graphics, they just didn't grab me personally. Now if I wouldve been able to play a demo of WoW like I did with GW, then perhaps I would be playing both by now. But GW wins my money and the developers should be praised for putting out such a polished great game that so many people can enjoy regardless of their experience.… Expand
  7. JonathanD.
    May 18, 2005
    9
    Guild Wars gets it right by putting emphasis on one thing: fun. The game is a pure, unadulterated great time. Partying up with friends is fun, PvP is AWESOME, and the game has a habit of just drawing you into its world. It's a damn pretty world too, and the fact it runs so well on my aging laptop is a testament to the quality of the engine. Also, I get almost no lag and I'm on Guild Wars gets it right by putting emphasis on one thing: fun. The game is a pure, unadulterated great time. Partying up with friends is fun, PvP is AWESOME, and the game has a habit of just drawing you into its world. It's a damn pretty world too, and the fact it runs so well on my aging laptop is a testament to the quality of the engine. Also, I get almost no lag and I'm on AOL dialup, where my connection is typically 4k/sec. Why don't you have this game already?… Expand
  8. Juaks
    May 17, 2005
    10
    This game is marvelous. Astonishing graphics, no lag, runs smooth as silk, deep tactics and Strategy. PvE: Great Story, huge and inmersive world, lots of quests and missions. PvP: Tons of skills and spells to combine, lot of charaters combinations to try. This game is beautiful, fun and no fees. Perfect combo I must say.
  9. Dan
    May 17, 2005
    9
    Excellent game that resolves numerous MMORPG issues. Graphics are phenominal and bandwidth requirements are incrdibly low. Mission and map design are excellent an overall the game is very addictive. Minor blemishes are more than out weighed by the positive aspects.
  10. SakakiS.
    May 16, 2005
    9
    Not perfect but so much fun, it's addicting... Just can't stop playing!
  11. OkkoS.
    May 14, 2005
    9
    Great game! A lot better than for example diablo and a bit better than WoW...
  12. Mobius
    May 13, 2005
    9
    Very good game with plenty of hours gameplay and fantastic graphics and to top it of NO MONTHLY FEE. It just goes to show that you dont need great big servers and a £10 monthly fee to play a great MMORPG.
  13. BradG.
    May 12, 2005
    9
    This game is incredible. The graphics, action packed gameplay, and lack of a monthly fee are instant selling points for me. It also sports a 100 hour plot and constantly updated and added mini-quests. The best apsect however are the system requirements. I have a 56 k modem which rarely connects faster than 28.8. Amazingly, after a few moderate loading screens the first time I enter a new This game is incredible. The graphics, action packed gameplay, and lack of a monthly fee are instant selling points for me. It also sports a 100 hour plot and constantly updated and added mini-quests. The best apsect however are the system requirements. I have a 56 k modem which rarely connects faster than 28.8. Amazingly, after a few moderate loading screens the first time I enter a new region there is almost NO lag for me or my team-mates. I am hooked on this game. I really hope the whole "no-monthly-fee" thing catches on.… Expand
  14. FrogOfWar
    May 10, 2005
    10
    It's what a great game is supposed to be. Fun!
  15. AnonymousMC
    May 9, 2005
    9
    I'm glad I waited for a free MMORPG. This game is great and has a lot of great features. I like the aspect where you actually have to find materials to buy items. The proffession skills are great but the elementalist and mesmer are a bit overpowered in Arena mode. I haven't tried PVP yet but I intend to. The only thing I found unappealing was the max level of 20. This is becauseI'm glad I waited for a free MMORPG. This game is great and has a lot of great features. I like the aspect where you actually have to find materials to buy items. The proffession skills are great but the elementalist and mesmer are a bit overpowered in Arena mode. I haven't tried PVP yet but I intend to. The only thing I found unappealing was the max level of 20. This is because many other great RPGs, not necessarily online, like Morrowind, give you the ability to get to a high level. I hope an expaqnsion is in the making phase because I want to see where this great game goes. i do agree with the Battle.net remark though. The towns are like big servers. But it does encourage you to make friends.… Expand
  16. TashaB.
    May 8, 2005
    6
    The game really does have stunning graphics, and takes out most of the tedious walking that accompanies most MMORPGs but that does not make up for its many pitfalls. First if you are in a party and travel by map (one of the major pluses) you get removed from your party and may end up in a different disrict than your friends making you have to change districts (more load time) plus invite The game really does have stunning graphics, and takes out most of the tedious walking that accompanies most MMORPGs but that does not make up for its many pitfalls. First if you are in a party and travel by map (one of the major pluses) you get removed from your party and may end up in a different disrict than your friends making you have to change districts (more load time) plus invite your friends into you group all over again. There is no quest sharing. The maps are awful. Virtually impossible to solo missions for you casual gamers. PvP is not worth doing unless you have your own lvl 20 customized character that you will fight with because available templates will get you nothing but a good ass whipping. But pluses are stunning visuals, fast paced combat (even for casters), easy to follow quests with helpful arrows on the minimap to guide you on each adventure and you can play with all your friends, even those in other countries.… Expand
  17. Bas
    May 8, 2005
    5
    Pretty much sucks. Why? Well, the standard roleplaying game is boring, and just like every other MMORPG out there. So that leaves PvP mode. Guild Wars isn't like other MMORPG's, since you can only choose 8 skills at a time to use, so you need to choose your skills carefully. However, here's the main issue I quickly sold my game again: to unlock good skills for PvP only Pretty much sucks. Why? Well, the standard roleplaying game is boring, and just like every other MMORPG out there. So that leaves PvP mode. Guild Wars isn't like other MMORPG's, since you can only choose 8 skills at a time to use, so you need to choose your skills carefully. However, here's the main issue I quickly sold my game again: to unlock good skills for PvP only characters, you STILL need to play through the abysmal RolePlaying mode. So that means, even though the official site says otherwise, that you still need to invest lots of time into this game to become better then the others. Skill doesn't play as big a part as everyone wants you to believe sadly. I wanted to give it a 3, but ended up giving it a 5 because of the nice graphics and the lack of monthly fees, both of which are very good points of this game.… Expand
  18. Chimp
    May 7, 2005
    10
    Holy crap.......this game is AMAZING. the graphics look sooo nice and it is quick to install and load times are about 3 seconds. low system requirements, easy gameplay, great teamplay, no fee. an amazing package. my only real complaint is there is not enough difference in how people look, but this could just be the starter in what will be countless expansion packs. and to think i almost Holy crap.......this game is AMAZING. the graphics look sooo nice and it is quick to install and load times are about 3 seconds. low system requirements, easy gameplay, great teamplay, no fee. an amazing package. my only real complaint is there is not enough difference in how people look, but this could just be the starter in what will be countless expansion packs. and to think i almost bought everquest 2!!!!!… Expand
  19. PhoenixSet
    May 7, 2005
    10
    This is my first MMORPG and I am glad that I waited! This game is perfect. I am really turned off by a monthly fee, AFTER you spend $50, so this is great. I have no problem buying expansion packs for more content later because I'm sure they will raise the level cap of 20 and will add more professions than just the 6, etc. I think the quest log and the mini-map work perfect together, This is my first MMORPG and I am glad that I waited! This game is perfect. I am really turned off by a monthly fee, AFTER you spend $50, so this is great. I have no problem buying expansion packs for more content later because I'm sure they will raise the level cap of 20 and will add more professions than just the 6, etc. I think the quest log and the mini-map work perfect together, it is so frustrating in some games when all you do is just run around and get lost. I also love how you don't see other players in the fighting maps unless they are in your party. Well, I can go on and on but you all need to get this game now and begin the fun!… Expand
  20. JesperK.
    May 6, 2005
    9
    This game rocks..... Its the best mmorpg i have tried.
  21. ScottyK.
    May 5, 2005
    10
    Amazing, that's the best response. This game blows others out of the water. The visual effects are beyound words. Even in-game movies feature all members in the party wielding accurate weapons and armour. The storyline is fun and extremely interactive. Arenanet has made an extensive efffort to monitor this game for offensive language and content, which is a relief compared to so many Amazing, that's the best response. This game blows others out of the water. The visual effects are beyound words. Even in-game movies feature all members in the party wielding accurate weapons and armour. The storyline is fun and extremely interactive. Arenanet has made an extensive efffort to monitor this game for offensive language and content, which is a relief compared to so many other games. I'm sick of playing with 10 and 12 year olds and having someone join the game only to go off with swearing and sexual references. Kudos to the Guild Wars crew regarding keeping the T rating in place. Most of all this game is designed for ultimate team play. The complete focus on Guild creation and growth is mesmerizing. I really can't say enough about this game. It is hands down one of the best games I have ever played console or pc. Thanks to all the Guild Wars team for making this game one to last the ages.… Expand
  22. G.F.
    May 5, 2005
    10
    Awesome!
  23. JoshuaG.
    May 5, 2005
    9
    I had very high hopes before I bought this game based on what I hear in assorted forums and on what I read about the games and the type of playing style it presents. Once I got it and put it in, I was a bit underwhelmed. It seemed like it was just a pretty game with little actual substance. This changed within a couple hours of play. An event called the Searing- this is not a spoiler as I had very high hopes before I bought this game based on what I hear in assorted forums and on what I read about the games and the type of playing style it presents. Once I got it and put it in, I was a bit underwhelmed. It seemed like it was just a pretty game with little actual substance. This changed within a couple hours of play. An event called the Searing- this is not a spoiler as it's in the frickin' game manual- changes the challenge level and removes the "fetch this item" quests that plagued the first hour or so. This game is full of enjoyable experiences, but it must be said that the field that it completely revolutionizes is PvP. The team-based PvP experience is so unlike those of other games as to render comparisons useless. Teamwork and strategy are emphasized, preventing the game from becoming an exercise is overcoming level differences. This game is excellent. If you take the time to read the comment below the lower reviews yyou will find that they have been placed there by people who either a) offered no reasons for their low score or b) based it off something other than the game itself, like the fact that they did not understand the pre-order system and how it would be put into effect. This game offers a huge amount of very enjoyable playtime and is well worth the price of admission. Have fun, guys.… Expand
  24. [Anonymous]
    May 4, 2005
    10
    Best MMORPG ever. I have played MMORPGS like WoW and RYL (1 and 2) but they dont even come close to this game. It fixes just about everything that was tedious and or repetitive in recent MMORPS like kill stealing, waiting for quest boss to respawn, and walking for days on end. Great storyline and well built PvP system is only half the fun. Guild vs. guild battles would eat half of my life Best MMORPG ever. I have played MMORPGS like WoW and RYL (1 and 2) but they dont even come close to this game. It fixes just about everything that was tedious and or repetitive in recent MMORPS like kill stealing, waiting for quest boss to respawn, and walking for days on end. Great storyline and well built PvP system is only half the fun. Guild vs. guild battles would eat half of my life easily and the 24-7 tournament against the WORLD is just over the top. This game is well worth your $50.… Expand
  25. E.Grin
    May 4, 2005
    7
    This is *not* a MMORPG. This game is like Diablo II but in first person. Consider each town area like a Battlenet chat room. That being said, I still think the game is fun to play.
  26. Maxx
    May 4, 2005
    2
    Boooring! Nice to look at, but boooring. Yeah it doesn't cost any $$$ every month, but look what you are getting. Pay the 10-15 bux a month a get a real MMORPG, cuz this one doesn't cut it.
  27. GeorgeS.
    May 4, 2005
    8
    Guild Wars sports _the best_ fantasy PvP bar none. It takes a little bit of time to figure out your prefered playstyle or even how to play effective PvP but once you have got it the game just clicks. Tons of action and very little downtime. PvE can be taken at your own pace. Heck if you're feeling anti-social you can invite some decent NPC's to help you quest. The fetch quest Guild Wars sports _the best_ fantasy PvP bar none. It takes a little bit of time to figure out your prefered playstyle or even how to play effective PvP but once you have got it the game just clicks. Tons of action and very little downtime. PvE can be taken at your own pace. Heck if you're feeling anti-social you can invite some decent NPC's to help you quest. The fetch quest PvE content is sometimes bland but the main storyline quests are very good. The music is good enough but the sound effects sometimes are wanting. *clang* doesn't always cut it these days. Graphics are very good and GW runs well on older computers. The interface is great. You can make your own to suit your needs in game with very little hassle. ArenaNet makes updates, patches etc, very painless and you hardly notice. The technology behind the game is quite awesome. There are some gripes. Targeting needs to be improved. And sometimes you can get tripped up on invisible geometry. No jumping sadly. If you enjoy PvP there is no reason you should not check Guild Wars out. Everything else is icing on a very sweet cake.… Expand
  28. PhilipP.
    May 3, 2005
    1
    It's Diablo without the eerie sounds, the good dungeon crawls, and the fun. I can't play this game for more than 10 minutes without feeling like I'm wasting my time. Sure, it's pretty, but that doesn't make you want to play. The sound is aweful and generic, the fighting is boring; there's just nothing there. Very disappointing.
  29. WaloO.
    May 3, 2005
    10
    This is truly an amazing game, I dont base the rating on the fact that its free to play online, but what really kills about this game is its gameplay, gameplay is fun from start and the skill system is pure genius. Leaves room for a lot of strategy planning and combinations (kinda like Magic TG).
  30. TK
    May 3, 2005
    9
    Great game! I mean it fits or all people. Hardcore gamers or not...if you wanna play for 30 minutes thats ok you will get stuff done. Simply a great game!! This is just one of those Must Buys for any gamers.
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PC Game of 2005
12
#12 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
16
#16 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 53 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 53
  3. Negative: 0 out of 53
  1. Inside Gamer Online
    90
    It’s impossible to describe the joy playing Guild Wars offers. It isn’t particularly deep, but it’s highly rewarding nonetheless. A friendly design and interface, and the simple, elegant combat, are bound to appeal to a wide range of gamers.
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  2. GameSpot
    92
    It innovatively and successfully combines many of the best, most addictive properties of action RPGs, online RPGs, and competitive multiplayer games in one beautifully produced package, which offers a tremendous lasting value yet none of the monthly fees typically associated with online-only games.
    Read full review
  3. Yahoo!
    90
    If tedious leveling up, dull combat, or uninspired player vs. player gaming are your quibbles with today's massively multiplayer offerings, Guild Wars is the cure.
    Read full review
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