Guild Wars Final Beta This Friday

This Friday you can get in on the Final Beta test for the hack and slash MMOG, Guild Wars. Commentary is available on Grimwell Online. From the article: " The main claim to fame of GuildWars is being the only MMORPG without a monthly fee. It will be interesting to see how that business model works out. Is it really the monthly fee that stops a MMORPG from greatness, or is it the nerdy gameplay?" Update: 01/05 22:26 GMT by H : I spoke with a representative of GuildWars; the above information is false. The beta program will be continuing as currently implemented. As well, GuildWars has not yet stated a final release date other than early 2005; that is still true, and in the meantime, development continues on the game -- and support will be continuing for the beta program.

not the only non-monthly fee MMORG

[oiarbovnb]

What about Project Entropia [project-entropia.com] and also Anarchy Online [anarchyonline.com] (without the expansion packs).

Redundant gameplay is why

[roche]

I wouldn't say it is the "nerdy" gameplay that turns me off of these type of games. The redundancy of the gameplay is where I get bored. You can only kill so many whomp rats or orcs before you are bored to tears trying to get that last bit of experience to level up. What happens when you level up? The whole process repeats itself.

MMORPG?

[WhatAmIDoingHere]

I don't really think Guild Wars is a MMOG, and here's why:

In a game like WoW or CoH, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people in the same zone as you. In Guild Wars, you're either running around solo or you're joining one of the raids that has a cap of 6 (I think) members per group. Is 6 Massive? If so, StarCraft has that beat with 8.

RPG? Maybe, I played in the open beta and all the new characters started with the best weapons and armor and some high level. You weren't really given a chance to role play, so I can't judge it there.

All in all, it felt like Diablo. But Diablo with less fun.