I don't agree with OP. There are NPCs that will explain you in general what's going on in each area (game will show you the map with different locations (hearts) and the NPC will tell you the purpose (these NPCS are marked on the map with the binocular icon)). Something very important: the game won't wait for you. ANet said this very clearly. What this means is that you may go to an area where bandits and running away from players, back to their hideout. This is because the first stage of the event was already triggered. However, these events reset again. Some NPCs will come to you or call you. Talking to NPCs is a good idea, you may trigger an event.
If you are in the human area, NPCs will tell you about centaurs, bandits, etc. The centaurs appear to be a common threat around the human lands. You will be doing small errands, if you care to talk to NPCs. If you don't, then you can help them anyway. It is up to the player to help the NPCs, but the game won't wait for anyone.
There is plenty of direction you just need to look for it.
Ehm, you don't see what's wrong with that sentence?
Okay so this thread has got a little "heated" but I think I can actually help you enjoy the game more OP, so I just want to make it clear that I'm making this post in good faith .
Anyway...many dynamic events actually do have an interesting story, BUT most people who do the DE will never actually see it in its entirety. The reason for this is because the DE happens to the world and not the player.
This video gives a wonderful example of this, please watch it, I think it will help you understand how you can enjoy the game more: http://youtu.be/6CyqGJHTjes
The video basically shows that the dynamic events involving killing the big animal, the bears raiding the town, etc. are all linked with one story. But the story is literally played out "live" in the world, if you are not there to see it, you will miss it.
So I mean, on one hand, this means lots of people will miss the story for dynamic events. They are not "narrated" like quests are, where each and every player is told the story.
But on the other hand, the way DEs work actually make the world of GW2 so much more compelling. In GW2, if you see NPCs randomly chattering or doing something...it may not be meaningless! This may actually be part of a story leading up to a DE...you never know.
In every other MMORPG, I always ignored NPCs' antics because I knew they were essentially just fluff. But in GW2, the antics of the NPCs actually tell stories that you can often participate in. This is a great thing IMO.
Then again, you may prefer the more "direct" narrated approach, and that's okay too.
Okay so this thread has got a little "heated" but I think I can actually help you enjoy the game more OP, so I just want to make it clear that I'm making this post in good faith .
Anyway...many dynamic events actually do have an interesting story, BUT most people who do the DE will never actually see it in its entirety. The reason for this is because the DE happens to the world and not the player.
This video gives a wonderful example of this, please watch it, I think it will help you understand how you can enjoy the game more: http://youtu.be/6CyqGJHTjes
The video basically shows that the dynamic events involving killing the big animal, the bears raiding the town, etc. are all linked with one story. But the story is literally played out "live" in the world, if you are not there to see it, you will miss it.
So I mean, on one hand, this means lots of people will miss the story for dynamic events. They are not "narrated" like quests are, where each and every player is told the story.
But on the other hand, the way DEs work actually make the world of GW2 so much more compelling. In GW2, if you see NPCs randomly chattering or doing something...it may not be meaningless! This may actually be part of a story leading up to a DE...you never know.
In every other MMORPG, I always ignored NPCs' antics because I knew they were essentially just fluff. But in GW2, the antics of the NPCs actually tell stories that you can often participate in. This is a great thing IMO.
Then again, you may prefer the more "direct" narrated approach, and that's okay too.
That's a pretty good point, actually.
I think that might help me appreciate it more. The thing I need, then, is to feel motivated to "save the world" - instead of having it be a personal experience.
Problem, I suppose, is that I don't feel particularly connected to the world or the lore. But maybe I should work on that instead - and find some purpose in saving it.
Depends on how the events evolve - and if it makes sense in the end.
I hate it when the primary story elements are there "just for kicks" - and I can't care about a story or a world unless the writers cared about it. It was one of my primary issues with WoW - because the lore was just a pop-culture joke.
Originally posted by Zezda There is plenty of direction, try listening to the NPC's. They drop hints all over the place about where you can go.
I've listened to them (all the scouts I come across, for instance), but they provide only very general information. They don't have a personality and I don't feel engaged in any of the conflicts at all.
That's not listening to NPCs, that's talking to the bread crumbs ArenaNet has given us.
Try actually listening to NPCs out in the world and around Dynamic Evets. They ALL speak about the events and how it affects them, including shwiong their own personalities.
IMO, GW2 provides more immersion and conveys its "living world" better than any MMO to date.
Originally posted by DKLond
I hate it when the primary story elements are there "just for kicks" - and I can't care about a story or a world unless the writers cared about it. It was one of my primary issues with WoW - because the lore was just a pop-culture joke.
It's not just there for kicks... It's a branching story that has outcomes based on your decisions at various story forks.
Seems like you are simply not paying enough attention to the Lore...
I don't agree with OP. There are NPCs that will explain you in general what's going on in each area (game will show you the map with different locations (hearts) and the NPC will tell you the purpose (these NPCS are marked on the map with the binocular icon)). Something very important: the game won't wait for you. ANet said this very clearly. What this means is that you may go to an area where bandits and running away from players, back to their hideout. This is because the first stage of the event was already triggered. However, these events reset again. Some NPCs will come to you or call you. Talking to NPCs is a good idea, you may trigger an event.
If you are in the human area, NPCs will tell you about centaurs, bandits, etc. The centaurs appear to be a common threat around the human lands. You will be doing small errands, if you care to talk to NPCs. If you don't, then you can help them anyway. It is up to the player to help the NPCs, but the game won't wait for anyone.
There is plenty of direction you just need to look for it.
Ehm, you don't see what's wrong with that sentence?
I didn't write that sentence in red; epic reply fail bro
I don't agree with OP. There are NPCs that will explain you in general what's going on in each area (game will show you the map with different locations (hearts) and the NPC will tell you the purpose (these NPCS are marked on the map with the binocular icon)). Something very important: the game won't wait for you. ANet said this very clearly. What this means is that you may go to an area where bandits and running away from players, back to their hideout. This is because the first stage of the event was already triggered. However, these events reset again. Some NPCs will come to you or call you. Talking to NPCs is a good idea, you may trigger an event.
If you are in the human area, NPCs will tell you about centaurs, bandits, etc. The centaurs appear to be a common threat around the human lands. You will be doing small errands, if you care to talk to NPCs. If you don't, then you can help them anyway. It is up to the player to help the NPCs, but the game won't wait for anyone.
There is plenty of direction you just need to look for it.
Ehm, you don't see what's wrong with that sentence?
I didn't write that sentence in red; epic reply fail bro
I pointed out that having to look for a direction is logically a lack of direction. I don't really feel like I "failed epically" but ok
I don't agree with OP. There are NPCs that will explain you in general what's going on in each area (game will show you the map with different locations (hearts) and the NPC will tell you the purpose (these NPCS are marked on the map with the binocular icon)). Something very important: the game won't wait for you. ANet said this very clearly. What this means is that you may go to an area where bandits and running away from players, back to their hideout. This is because the first stage of the event was already triggered. However, these events reset again. Some NPCs will come to you or call you. Talking to NPCs is a good idea, you may trigger an event.
If you are in the human area, NPCs will tell you about centaurs, bandits, etc. The centaurs appear to be a common threat around the human lands. You will be doing small errands, if you care to talk to NPCs. If you don't, then you can help them anyway. It is up to the player to help the NPCs, but the game won't wait for anyone.
There is plenty of direction you just need to look for it.
Ehm, you don't see what's wrong with that sentence?
I didn't write that sentence in red; epic reply fail bro
I pointed out that having to look for a direction is logically a lack of direction. I don't really feel like I "failed epically" but ok
if you are quoting someone, then reply to that person please; it's is fail as I didn't say what you pasted in red
Direction is there, they are called hearts, points of interests, scouts, and your personal story. Dynamic Events are the backbone and they are around all of these, and they often relate to the hearts around the area.
Talk to the guy that gives you the hearts and any npcs around him/her and they will tell you what's going on in the area, any lore, who needs help and why they need help. Other npcs around these areas you can talk to, learn about them and sometimes an event can be started like this. Same with points of interests, there's a lot to know from them, one can simply just unlock them, or actually learn about them.
Remember... all I'm offering is the truth. Nothing more.
Ok ok, you convinced me to give the lore another shot.
When I get back from work, I'll try talking to more NPCs and get a better feel for the world and why things are happening.
Of course, if it turns out to be insignificant - I'll be back here bitching about it
Awesome . Also try to just talk to NPCs and look at clickable objects around DE hotspots too, they also help give context to the area/story.
The npcs usually don't give that much, a line or two of txt at most. The only large chunks of text and speachare in the story, for better or worse as the story looks a bit like JRPG cut scene. Most of the game is simply going to point to point and doing point of interest skill point dynamic event or heart NPC.
I'm trying to be fair about it - and I will add that I think the game is beautiful. Combat is fast, visceral and FUN. The main cities (especially Divinity's Reach) are among the most spectacular I've ever seen. There's a TON of love poured into this game. This isn't some half-assed design by a bunch of weak developers trying to cash-in. This is a labor of love, clearly.
Sadly, I don't think they wanted someone like me to enjoy it.
Ok, so I'm past the whole "no power progression at 80" thing. I know this game won't have it - and I know I'm probably not going to have GW2 as a long-term home. That's ok, and it was a small investment.
But, I'm trying to enjoy my time levelling in the game - and it's not always easy.
I have no idea why I'm doing what I'm doing. The dynamic events are fun - but I don't know why they happen or why I'm helping. Sure, the "Centaurs are attacking" - but there are no people to relate to or to feel compelled to help.
I run around in that gorgeous world trying to find something to do, and it's not hard to find. But I stumble upon it at random without direction or any long-term purpose.
So... I just need to "have fun" - right?
Problem with me is that I need direction and I need purpose. I fully understand that people who DON'T need that will likely love GW2. It's the perfect game for people who just like to play around without thinking about why. My ex-GF was exactly like that in WoW - and she could spend hours doing things that basically had no meaning beyond entertaining her, and that's great.
I'm just trying to make sure it's not me misunderstanding something about the game.
Is it SUPPOSED to be aimless and about "fun" without purpose?
Anything slapped with a NCSoft sticker , means botting , the only thing missing to your little problem is a bot program! It's actually more fun putting up a bot program for NCSoft published games then actually playing them. Which is ironic to say the least. It's sad though , if NCSoft had nothing to do with the game I would of most likely bought it.
I hear you OP it took me a few Beta weekends and two days of headstart for the game to start to be fun and really click for me. I had to get out of the smallish starter zone and into a more open less congested world. I found the vista's and discovery items to be one of a multitude of factors that made the game start to click a bit.
I found that I was actually tired of the massive zerg DE's and was having much more fun with the smallish (a few people) DE's when less people were around out in the open world.
Also something that I had not seen metioned by anyone previous to this weekend. There is a better chance for a mob to drop rare loot if you fight stuff above your level. It definitely gave me a bit of the control back regarding loot. I still miss rare spawns but at least I have the option for tougher battles and better loot which was a big concern of mine.
It may click in a week or two OP. It definitely was not an instant love thing with me either.
Originally posted by scotty899 and your personal story maybe?
I'm playing a Human Thief. So far, the story has been average - at best - and the dialogue/writing is pretty bad. It's OK - but it's BY FAR not enough to sustain my interest in levelling.
Glad I'm not the only one that thinks this. Honestly, I kinda did the personal stories during the BWEs to level up and get stuff. The dialogue is EH. I'll keep playing till I hit 80. Maybe it'll pick up.
Originally posted by scotty899 and your personal story maybe?
I'm playing a Human Thief. So far, the story has been average - at best - and the dialogue/writing is pretty bad. It's OK - but it's BY FAR not enough to sustain my interest in levelling.
Glad I'm not the only one that thinks this. Honestly, I kinda did the personal stories during the BWEs to level up and get stuff. The dialogue is EH. I'll keep playing till I hit 80. Maybe it'll pick up.
Oh I even forgot there was a story haha. Definitely not the game's strong point, but I think there is quite a bit more interesting than story...from what I can tell at this point.
The best way I can describe it is the GW2 is more like Skyrim than your typical themepark MMO. You have your main story which takes you farther and farther away from the starting zone as you progress through it. Then you have the rest of the game's world with DEs and hearts.
Renown Hearts are pretty straight forward, they are basically there to give you a nudge to get you moving in a particular direction. Usually there are DEs that happen in the vacinity of the hearts. DE's are where the game really shines. On the surface DE's may seem like your typical PQs or rifts but there is a lot more to them. Most of them have stories behind them and lead into other DEs if you stick around and/or follow the NPCs. If you're just going to run away after the DE is done, the game will feel disjointed to you because you're missing the other parts that bring it all together.
GW2 is not a quest based game, it's an exploration based game. Basically, don't play the game like a typical themepark MMO. Don't just run from heart to heart and DE to DE. Play it more like Skyrim. Run around and explore, listen to various NPCs, interact with them and follow them. They lead to more stuff, like DEs and hidden locations.
I've posted this example in another thread but I think that it's a good example of what GW2 is really about. In Metrica Province there a a camp of refugees that gets attacked by bad guys and there is a DE where you have to defend their camp. Most people would just run away after the DE is done but if you stick around and listen to the NPCs talk and then follow them, it leads to an attack on the enemy base. During the dialogue between the NPCs there is no indication that it leads to anything. It just seems like idle NPC chatter. Then the NPCs start running. There is still no indication that it leads anywhere. No "there is an event nearby" message nor is there a marker on the map, so if you just let them go, you'll miss the next part of that story. But if you actually take the time and follow them, it'll lead you to another DE where you'll help them assault the enemy base and save the refugee prisoners.
I just read the whole thread and I'm not sure why it even got past the quoted post- best explanation of how the game works. @ OP : If you still don't get it, move on to something else.
Also something that I had not seen metioned by anyone previous to this weekend. There is a better chance for a mob to drop rare loot if you fight stuff above your level. It definitely gave me a bit of the control back regarding loot. I still miss rare spawns but at least I have the option for tougher battles and better loot which was a big concern of mine.
Seriously ? :O
Well that might explain why I kept looting "masterpiece" items then ... I may have looted 6 in 3 hours yesterday. Was 3-5 levels below mobs during all day (Norn Thief). Is it really a confirmed mechanic Mardukk ? If so, it's brilliant. And logical, in a sense ... They should advertise it a bit more.
***** Before hitting that reply button, please READ the WHOLE thread you're about to post in *****
Comments
Ehm, you don't see what's wrong with that sentence?
Okay so this thread has got a little "heated" but I think I can actually help you enjoy the game more OP, so I just want to make it clear that I'm making this post in good faith
.
Anyway...many dynamic events actually do have an interesting story, BUT most people who do the DE will never actually see it in its entirety. The reason for this is because the DE happens to the world and not the player.
This video gives a wonderful example of this, please watch it, I think it will help you understand how you can enjoy the game more: http://youtu.be/6CyqGJHTjes
The video basically shows that the dynamic events involving killing the big animal, the bears raiding the town, etc. are all linked with one story. But the story is literally played out "live" in the world, if you are not there to see it, you will miss it.
So I mean, on one hand, this means lots of people will miss the story for dynamic events. They are not "narrated" like quests are, where each and every player is told the story.
But on the other hand, the way DEs work actually make the world of GW2 so much more compelling. In GW2, if you see NPCs randomly chattering or doing something...it may not be meaningless! This may actually be part of a story leading up to a DE...you never know.
In every other MMORPG, I always ignored NPCs' antics because I knew they were essentially just fluff. But in GW2, the antics of the NPCs actually tell stories that you can often participate in. This is a great thing IMO.
Then again, you may prefer the more "direct" narrated approach, and that's okay too.
Are you team Azeroth, team Tyria, or team Jacob?
Some people are fine stopping to ask directions. Others hate that, and want road signs to be clear enough that they don't have to.
When I want a single-player story, I'll play a single-player game. When I play an MMO, I want a massively multiplayer world.
That's a pretty good point, actually.
I think that might help me appreciate it more. The thing I need, then, is to feel motivated to "save the world" - instead of having it be a personal experience.
Problem, I suppose, is that I don't feel particularly connected to the world or the lore. But maybe I should work on that instead - and find some purpose in saving it.
Depends on how the events evolve - and if it makes sense in the end.
I hate it when the primary story elements are there "just for kicks" - and I can't care about a story or a world unless the writers cared about it. It was one of my primary issues with WoW - because the lore was just a pop-culture joke.
That's not listening to NPCs, that's talking to the bread crumbs ArenaNet has given us.
Try actually listening to NPCs out in the world and around Dynamic Evets. They ALL speak about the events and how it affects them, including shwiong their own personalities.
IMO, GW2 provides more immersion and conveys its "living world" better than any MMO to date.
It's not just there for kicks... It's a branching story that has outcomes based on your decisions at various story forks.
Seems like you are simply not paying enough attention to the Lore...
I didn't write that sentence in red; epic reply fail bro
Ok ok, you convinced me to give the lore another shot.
When I get back from work, I'll try talking to more NPCs and get a better feel for the world and why things are happening.
Of course, if it turns out to be insignificant - I'll be back here bitching about it
I like your style, hehe ;-D
***** Before hitting that reply button, please READ the WHOLE thread you're about to post in *****
again, I didn't write that sentence in red
I pointed out that having to look for a direction is logically a lack of direction. I don't really feel like I "failed epically" but ok
if you are quoting someone, then reply to that person please; it's is fail as I didn't say what you pasted in red
Doh, sorry about that..
@DKLond - Yeah, if you want to sum up or paraphrase, say that's what you're doing. Don't quote someone unless you're quoting them. It's confusing.
When I want a single-player story, I'll play a single-player game. When I play an MMO, I want a massively multiplayer world.
Ah, I see that I mistakenly replied to the wrong person.
I'm sorry about that, it was unintentional.
Direction is there, they are called hearts, points of interests, scouts, and your personal story. Dynamic Events are the backbone and they are around all of these, and they often relate to the hearts around the area.
Talk to the guy that gives you the hearts and any npcs around him/her and they will tell you what's going on in the area, any lore, who needs help and why they need help. Other npcs around these areas you can talk to, learn about them and sometimes an event can be started like this. Same with points of interests, there's a lot to know from them, one can simply just unlock them, or actually learn about them.
Remember... all I'm offering is the truth. Nothing more.
Awesome
. Also try to just talk to NPCs and look at clickable objects around DE hotspots too, they also help give context to the area/story.
Are you team Azeroth, team Tyria, or team Jacob?
I am a person who finds that I need a focus/direction a lot of the time too.
I set my sites on "completing" a zone 100% to give that focus/direction.
Hearts, PoI's, Travel points, Vistas.
When I see DE's along the way, I always participate.
Keep an ear open for people (NPC's) asking you for help when you walk by. They will literally say "Hey, I need help!"
Click or two later and you just started a DE for others to enjoy with you!
Yesterday though I did have a lot of fun just wondering around Norn lands exploring and farming Skill Points.
The auto-down level system is just brilliant!
Its not a game that forces you to do things.
You can pretty much go anywhere and you will find something to do. also the npc drop alot of hints of possibilities
The npcs usually don't give that much, a line or two of txt at most. The only large chunks of text and speachare in the story, for better or worse as the story looks a bit like JRPG cut scene. Most of the game is simply going to point to point and doing point of interest skill point dynamic event or heart NPC.
Anything slapped with a NCSoft sticker , means botting , the only thing missing to your little problem is a bot program! It's actually more fun putting up a bot program for NCSoft published games then actually playing them. Which is ironic to say the least. It's sad though , if NCSoft had nothing to do with the game I would of most likely bought it.
I hear you OP it took me a few Beta weekends and two days of headstart for the game to start to be fun and really click for me. I had to get out of the smallish starter zone and into a more open less congested world. I found the vista's and discovery items to be one of a multitude of factors that made the game start to click a bit.
I found that I was actually tired of the massive zerg DE's and was having much more fun with the smallish (a few people) DE's when less people were around out in the open world.
Also something that I had not seen metioned by anyone previous to this weekend. There is a better chance for a mob to drop rare loot if you fight stuff above your level. It definitely gave me a bit of the control back regarding loot. I still miss rare spawns but at least I have the option for tougher battles and better loot which was a big concern of mine.
It may click in a week or two OP. It definitely was not an instant love thing with me either.
Glad I'm not the only one that thinks this. Honestly, I kinda did the personal stories during the BWEs to level up and get stuff. The dialogue is EH. I'll keep playing till I hit 80. Maybe it'll pick up.
Oh I even forgot there was a story haha. Definitely not the game's strong point, but I think there is quite a bit more interesting than story...from what I can tell at this point.
I just read the whole thread and I'm not sure why it even got past the quoted post- best explanation of how the game works. @ OP : If you still don't get it, move on to something else.
Seriously ? :O
Well that might explain why I kept looting "masterpiece" items then ... I may have looted 6 in 3 hours yesterday. Was 3-5 levels below mobs during all day (Norn Thief). Is it really a confirmed mechanic Mardukk ? If so, it's brilliant. And logical, in a sense ... They should advertise it a bit more.
***** Before hitting that reply button, please READ the WHOLE thread you're about to post in *****
Some people need to be handheld, follow a breadcrumbs trail or a carrot on a stick.
Bad habits are hard to die...