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. ColadaO.
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    Awesome game. I used to play runescape, and I was lvl 78, and i quit. So i was good, and still quit for guild wars. i love this game, and the missions are awesome. Its cool how they made factions, so theres even more to do when u beat tyria.
  2. AlexB.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    Best online game I have ever played. Better than WoW, Diablo 2, Warcraft III, and starcraft. engaging and addictive. Can't get enough of it!
  3. GToews
    May 6, 2004
    10
    I'm an Alpha Tester for this game, and I can tell you from my own experiences that this game will totally rock your world. I've watched as the staff at ArenaNet busily work toward the big "E3 for Everyone" demo I'm sure you've already downloaded the installer for, and I see so many great additions that my jaw literally drops.

    G.Toews
    http://guildwars.rpgstars.com
  4. EmanuelS.
    Apr 30, 2005
    10
    An incredible game. I have played many action/RPGs and none of them was nearly as good as this.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. BobbyR.
    Jun 11, 2005
    10
    I got this game for my birthday and believe me this is a contender for game of the year, it is one of the best games ever and the graphics are absolutley amazing and it works on my 56k dial up without a modem!!
  8. MikeL.
    Jul 15, 2005
    10
    First of all let me say that I am a very critical gamer. I have played most of the big titles in the MMORPG genre, and I like Guild Wars the best. The skill based system, the lack of a monthly fee, and the beautiful graphics, make Guild Wars a must have in my opinion. Let me qualify my statement by saying that I love PVP. I have never been a fan of tiresome PVE, that leaves you feeling First of all let me say that I am a very critical gamer. I have played most of the big titles in the MMORPG genre, and I like Guild Wars the best. The skill based system, the lack of a monthly fee, and the beautiful graphics, make Guild Wars a must have in my opinion. Let me qualify my statement by saying that I love PVP. I have never been a fan of tiresome PVE, that leaves you feeling like the devs of the game are trying to waste as much of your time as possible. Guild Wars has fast, fun gameplay and the skill based system gives each class limitless build possibilities. The only people I've found that just downright don't like the game are people that hate PVP, or were duped into playing another "pay to play" MMORPG, and are mad Guild Wars took all their players.… Expand
  9. Sambo
    Aug 5, 2005
    10
    Utterly fantastic game. This is the closest I've seen any game come to matching Final Fantasy (not FFXI) for sheer RPG enjoyment! The graphics are insanely good for a game that doesn't need a ludicrous amount of processing power and the speed of the online gameplay is great with very little lag! The sound is nice, the menus work great once you get used to them and apart from the Utterly fantastic game. This is the closest I've seen any game come to matching Final Fantasy (not FFXI) for sheer RPG enjoyment! The graphics are insanely good for a game that doesn't need a ludicrous amount of processing power and the speed of the online gameplay is great with very little lag! The sound is nice, the menus work great once you get used to them and apart from the odd nonce, the game is very friendly. The first party I formed with another player has already forged a good online virtual friendship. I'm only concerned that there might be limited story mode and then a bit of an annoying player v player aspect once you're done. Unless you're part of a huge guild then you might have trouble achieving much from what I've seen.… Expand
  10. amac
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    makes me laugh people who think this is a bad game or that wow is better or something, they obviously have not played it for long enough to realise how crack addicted they have, or will become. play this you enjoy it, you dont feel the frantic need to get gear or level or something, very very well made with no fees. (also pvp requires skill :O not just gear imagine that)
  11. Nickm.
    Apr 30, 2005
    10
    This game is honestly one of my all time favorites. What to talk about first... Well, the synopsis up there didn't mention that its FREE to play online, as opposed to some other massively online games. The missions and quests are genuinely fun to me, not just a thing to go through to level your character up. And the pvp is awesome. The thing that really appeals to me about this game This game is honestly one of my all time favorites. What to talk about first... Well, the synopsis up there didn't mention that its FREE to play online, as opposed to some other massively online games. The missions and quests are genuinely fun to me, not just a thing to go through to level your character up. And the pvp is awesome. The thing that really appeals to me about this game the most I think is the freedom of choice it allows you. As a general rule, you can do what you find fun. If you just want to PvP (Player versus Player), you can create a maximum level character and get right into it, not to mention the ability to play against anyone in the world (If youre #1, youre not just #1 on a server, you are the best in the WORLD). If you like going through the storyline (which is also good, I might add,) and exploring, you can spend as much time doing that as you want. If you like to RP (Role-Play), the instancing sytem in GW has the added benefit of keeping people not in your party out of your perception. If you like planning and character building, this game has many different skills/spells with a wide variety of different affects, strengths and weaknesses for you to build upon. If you enjoy grind, you can choose to spend hours looking for the best items in the game, but that will have little affect on your performance in combat. Speaking of combat, it honestly is more about teamwork, strategy, personal playing skill and adaptability than any other game of this style that I've played. Well Done, ArenaNet.… Expand
  12. MattB.
    Apr 7, 2005
    10
    This is a great game and the GvG and PvP are very enjoyable and easy to get into.
  13. [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
  14. G.F.
    May 5, 2005
    10
    Awesome!
  15. RobertG.
    Jun 16, 2005
    10
    This game rocks. No monthly charges, no hacks, no cheats, player co-op or solo. Ther's something for every gamer in this game.
  16. de
    Sep 2, 2005
    10
    It is the best game ever.
  17. JC
    Jan 22, 2006
    10
    The best thing I can say about this game is that you can't go back to other RPGs? Why? Basically, in everything from Dungeon Seige 2 to Neverwinter Nights you have to manually restore magic and health with potions. In Guild Wars they reegenerate on their own and each class does it differently; warriors get only 2 ranks of mana regen while elementalists get 4. It's much more fun The best thing I can say about this game is that you can't go back to other RPGs? Why? Basically, in everything from Dungeon Seige 2 to Neverwinter Nights you have to manually restore magic and health with potions. In Guild Wars they reegenerate on their own and each class does it differently; warriors get only 2 ranks of mana regen while elementalists get 4. It's much more fun than having to worry about having enough potions because you might have just spent too much money on armour. For the other reaons why GW rocks, just read the reviews.… Expand
  18. RobE.
    Oct 5, 2006
    10
    A HUGE game, awesomely well done. The developers took the standard online grind and turned it on its head. it cut out a lot of the grind and gave us the freedom to do what we want. After being converted, you'll ask of other MMPORGs: Why can't we teleport between towns? Why is time grinding more important than skill? This game cuts the fat and leaves a lean and enjoyable experience.
  19. RicardoC.
    Apr 26, 2006
    10
    in terms of pvp is best tham WOW and the other games :), in terms of world the problem is lv-20 lim and is very tiny.
  20. Will
    Apr 7, 2006
    10
    Excelent game. One can easilly have upwards of 400 hours of playing time and still not have been to all the places, or tried all the skills, or completed all the quests - that's excelent value for a $45 game with no fees. The game is easy to play, but difficult to master.
  21. BernardB.
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    Awesome & Involving! Been playing it for 18 months now and still love it! Highly recommend all the expansions too!
  22. Alberto
    Oct 19, 2008
    10
    This game is THE BEST MMORPG game you can own if you like PVP action and beautiful graphics without big investments to your computers graphic cards. I've been playing this game for over 3 years and I've never been bored. Lore is also great. I suggest this game for everyone!
  23. DutyCalls
    Nov 18, 2005
    10
    To sum it up quickly, this is the most AMAZING game I've ever played! Looks great, plays well (even on my 2yr old system w/ dialup!), and is a whole lot of fun! After tossing around the idea of paying $15/month for World of Warcraft, I found it refreshing there was a MMORPG with FREE online play. Naturally, I snapped it up ASAP. 283 hours of online play later, I still love this game! To sum it up quickly, this is the most AMAZING game I've ever played! Looks great, plays well (even on my 2yr old system w/ dialup!), and is a whole lot of fun! After tossing around the idea of paying $15/month for World of Warcraft, I found it refreshing there was a MMORPG with FREE online play. Naturally, I snapped it up ASAP. 283 hours of online play later, I still love this game! Now, I'm not one to obsess with something, but this game it totally addicting! My school work & sleep have suffered because of it, but I wouldn… Expand
  24. DarceyS.
    Oct 12, 2005
    10
    Love the game. Great game play, and great scenery. No monthly fee just tops it off!
  25. RichardR.
    Nov 3, 2005
    10
    For people who don't care for the RPG aspect of the game and who are only interested n power gaming, I can understand why they aren't that thrilled with the game. But, my wife and I, who are serious role-players, each got a copy of this the same day a while ago and we haven't looked back. The graphics are stunning as well as the game having a decent storyline so far. Add For people who don't care for the RPG aspect of the game and who are only interested n power gaming, I can understand why they aren't that thrilled with the game. But, my wife and I, who are serious role-players, each got a copy of this the same day a while ago and we haven't looked back. The graphics are stunning as well as the game having a decent storyline so far. Add the fact that there are no monthly fees and there is continual updating going on to add balance to the game and I'd say you have one heck of a product here. We look forward to seeing this universe expand as time goes on and will be loyal fans for quite some time.… Expand
  26. MiikaP.
    Apr 27, 2005
    10
    Better then WOW !!! And totally FREE !!!
  27. ErikA.
    Apr 29, 2005
    10
    The most addicting and most fun MMO I have played yet. This is probably the one and only MMO that has successfully implemented a story into the game. It really feels like you're really taking part in the history and further development of this world. There are tons of quests with a variety of objectives. The graphics are absolutely beautiful. The PvP arena system is quick, easy and The most addicting and most fun MMO I have played yet. This is probably the one and only MMO that has successfully implemented a story into the game. It really feels like you're really taking part in the history and further development of this world. There are tons of quests with a variety of objectives. The graphics are absolutely beautiful. The PvP arena system is quick, easy and fun. I really cannot say enough about how awesome this game is. I only have 2 complaints. My first complaint is some of the people who play the game don't seem to notice that it is an MMO and they're never willing to help anyone unless it's also in their best interests. I actually had someone deny me help on a quest because he didn't have it so he thought it would be a waste of time to help out a fellow player. My other complaint is a very minor one, but it's still there. There are still a couple bugs in the game which need to be worked out and the game needs a little more balancing for the solo players. Seeing as the first complaint has nothing to do with the actual design of the game and the second complaint is so minor that it never really takes away from your amazement from the rest of the game I have to give this game a 10. Simply amazing.… Expand
  28. FrogOfWar
    May 10, 2005
    10
    It's what a great game is supposed to be. Fun!
  29. 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.
  30. ZachW.
    May 2, 2005
    10
    This game is great, great online play, just an amazing game.
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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.
    Read full review
  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
See all critic reviews »