Resin up that bow, Johnny.

Author's Rating:

Pros: Good graphics, good gameplay algorithm, no daylight robbery. Fun for casual gamers.

Cons: A highly obsessive-compulsive game. We recommend responsible playing and self-moderation.

The Bottom Line: 
A very good game, designed with all levels of players in mind. Variety allows the player to go back and play again even after finishing.

Author's Review
...because if you lose, or even if you win, the Devil gets your soul. I'm not kidding, either. What we have here is the budget-conscious equivalent to World of Warcraft - the first game is just a one-time hit on your bankbook - usually around fifty dollars; sometimes a better deal, depending on where you go. And, oh, what a fifty dollars it is! The price tag doesn't do justice to the amount of time inevitably spent at your desk on those long Sunday nights, glazed eyes affixed on the computer screen, trying, for God's sakes, trying to finish that quest and find a good stopping point. Alas!

ALGORITHM, MY DEAR WATSON:
A good game starts out easy and leads the inexperienced player into the fray, gradually becoming more difficult, until finally reaching a climax. This is no different for massively-multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). The beginning introduces the player to the gameplay aspects of Guild Wars, including combat, working with teammates towards a common goal, completing quests, and gaining new skills.

Players have multiple choices on what type of character they wish to use, as well as their appropriate skills. This allows for a game with many opportunities and different means of completing goals. Casual and veteran players alike enjoy having variety in their game; Guild Wars caters to both fields and does a pretty good job of it too.

The possibilities are endless: you can choose to be a warrior adorned with armor and a large battle axe; a magician; a necromancer; a monk; a ranger... or a combination of the five! After setting up a player and becoming acquainted with the game, the user can join other players in completing quests. The necessity for teamwork becomes more prudent as the player progresses farther into the game. Or, the player can go alone with an army of computer AI-controlled "henchmen."

The graphics aren't an eyesore either. They're not optimal next-gen, but you can look at the game and experience the magic without having a headache. The interface is also friendly and customizable, allowing players of all ages to become familiar with the game in a short matter of time.

BUT MOM, I'VE ONLY BEEN PLAYING FOR FIVE HOURS
Parents, keep an eye on your kids. When Guild Wars is on the computer monitor, I can't guarantee that they'll get to sleep in time for school any time soon. You may need to "intervene."

Many (though not all) MMORPGs have an embedded element of addiction. This comes from several factors - the necessity to finish the game as though one would a Sudoku puzzle or a crossword; the want to "level up," or improve the player character to a respectable status; or peer pressure. Nonetheless, I have heard rather sad stories of those who could not peel their eyes away, some ended up playing for twelve hours straight. People may be more affected than others. You have been warned.

If you feel like you have been playing this game for too long, you are probably right. Go with your conscience ... or keep playing. Hey, it's just a game. Not like it's going to kill you or anything. So what if you lose your job or your girl/boyfriend... you have a Level 20 Ranger Monk with a Sundering Longbow of Fortitude!

WHAT WAS THAT? NO MONTHLY FEES? ARE YOU NUTS?
Star Wars Academy, World of Warcraft, The Sims Online, Guild Wars, Pogo, Graal. All six have something in common. They are all MMORPGS. However, one of these is not like the other - can you guess?

If you guessed Guild Wars, you're probably right. As I mentioned earlier in this review, all you have to pay is a one-time fee of fifty dollars. There are no monthly surcharges; all you need is an Internet connection and a working account. However, there are expansion packs to the original Guild Wars that cost money. You will have to buy those if you find that you have finished the game (worry not, it is not going to happen anytime soon) and want more.

THE FINAL VERDICT:
Kudos to the designers.