Guild Wars® Reforged: A Renaissance of Strategy and Nostalgia
Where the past meets your keyboard in a strategic dance
Launch Day Larry
Guild Wars® Reforged is like finding an old pair of jeans that still fit perfectly—comfortable, familiar, and with just enough style to make you feel like you haven’t completely lost touch with the cool kids. This game takes you on a nostalgic journey through a world where strategy reigns supreme, and your keyboard is your best friend. But does it hold up in today’s gaming landscape? Let’s dive in.
Gameplay: A Symphony of Strategy and Keybindings
Guild Wars® Reforged is a game that demands your attention, and possibly a few extra fingers. The combat system is a complex beast, requiring players to juggle up to seven heroes, each with eight spells. It’s like conducting an orchestra, except your instruments are spells, and your baton is a keyboard. The strategic depth is immense, offering a playground for those who love to tinker with keybindings and skill combinations.
The unique skill system, which caps character levels at 20, encourages experimentation over grinding. It’s a refreshing take that avoids the dreaded power creep, allowing players to focus on crafting the perfect skill set. The dual-class system further enhances this, offering a buffet of abilities to choose from. However, the learning curve is steeper than a mountain goat’s morning jog, which might deter those who prefer a more straightforward approach.
Controller support is a mixed bag. While it works well on the Steam Deck, offering a familiar experience for MMO veterans, the gamepad mode can feel like trying to write a novel with a crayon. Inventory management, in particular, might have you reaching for your mouse in frustration.
Graphics: A Renaissance Painting in Motion
Guild Wars® Reforged’s graphics are a testament to the creativity of the 2000s, where developers had to innovate within the constraints of a 2005 engine. The art style is reminiscent of a renaissance painting stretched across polygons, offering a unique visual experience that stands out even today. Recent updates have sharpened textures and improved lighting, breathing new life into the game’s aesthetic.
However, the character models and animations show their age, particularly the female ones, which might remind you of a time when proportions were more “aspirational” than realistic. The lack of significant graphical updates in the “reforged” version has left some players feeling like they ordered a remaster and got a reheated leftover instead. Yet, the game’s visual effects, akin to those in World of Warcraft, add a layer of immersion that keeps the experience engaging.
Story: A Classic Tale with Modern Twists
The narrative of Guild Wars® Reforged is like a classic novel—easy to follow, engaging, and with just enough twists to keep you turning the pages. The story is a key component of the game’s charm, offering a nostalgic journey for those who remember the original. The voice acting and world-building add depth, creating an immersive experience that draws you in.
However, the story can feel like a slow burn, with a main quest that takes its sweet time to get going. New players might find the narrative lacking, with plot holes and minimal character development. Yet, the game’s structure, with multiple campaigns and a supportive community, offers a rich tapestry of lore and camaraderie that enhances the storytelling experience.
Final Verdict
Guild Wars® Reforged is a game that wears its age like a badge of honor. Its strategic gameplay, unique art style, and engaging story offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane, while recent updates keep it relevant in today’s gaming world. It’s not without its flaws, but for those willing to embrace its quirks, it offers a rewarding experience that stands the test of time.
Score: 7.0/10