The video above represents the first look we’ve had at the Guild Wars 2 Ranger class, and as ever it looks awesome. Shown are examples of the ranger skills Barrage, Hunter’s Call, Spread Shot, Serpent Strike and Whirling Defense in that order. While much of the video is no doubt staged to some extent for dramatic demonstration purposes, much like in the GW2 Warrior reveal, a few key moments definitely stand out to me.
The first is the vicious hilarity of Hunter’s Call – I’m not a huge fan of birds flying near my head in real life, but the concept of turning the tables to treat my enemies to a flock of them pecking them to death fills me with a deep and terrible joy. Spread Shot’s clip is also quite intriguing, not so much for the named ability itself, which seems to do pretty much what it says on the tin, but for the preparatory action the character is shown taking beforehand – lighting an area on fire in order to create on-the-fly fire arrows. Finally, the Whirling Defense section is almost too cool for words, I’m so impressed by it that I’m wondering if it’s too good to be true – is this simply an incredibly well-staged clip or will the reality measure up?
Unfortunately, the mechanical side of the Ranger equation hasn’t quite captured my imagination in the same way. The Guild Wars 2 developers have spent a fair amount of time explaining some rather simple and ubiquitous pet control systems. The implication that there is something new or exciting about the ability to change pet states from aggressive to defensive to passive or order them to attack, follow or stay still gives me cause to worry about how interesting and innovative the Ranger class will really be. Other mechanics described include traps, which I’m sure will be spectacular (and the flaming area in the video may well be an example of one) but are not exactly surprising in a Ranger/Hunter style class, and area affecting nature spirits, which harken a little more to what made Rangers somewhat unique in the original Guild Wars.
This class reveal is somewhat of a mixed bag for me, with the video causing my hopes to soar once more before the actual description of the Ranger made me pause to wonder how it will really turn out. I encourage you to head to the official site to read about it yourself, then drop a comment here to give me your own opinion on whether or not I should ascend to the very heights of hype this time.
Its only briefly shown in the video, but ArenaNet Talked a bit about things like arrows gaining a fire buff from traveling through fire (like in the vid) and other things as well.
The best part of the video I thought though was the spell reflection part, that looked slick.
While this video is not amazing, it does not disappoint either. Between the event system (instead of generic quests), bar brawls and other mini-games and the GW1 nature of the skills system (though I mourn the lack of the dual classes in GW1) I can’t wait for this game. First MMO in a while that seems like it might actually be different than wow in more than a couple minor ways. Hence my interest is piqued.
Looks awesome can’t wait to get my hands on it!