Guild Wars 2 – Best PC Exclusive 2012
Platform: PC
Publisher: NCSoft
Developer: ArenaNet
Usually when something looks too good to be true, it’s because it is. However, Guild Wars 2 executed on its promise of providing an MMO with high entertainment value and ambitious mechanics without the burden of a subscription fee. ArenaNet decisively tossed away the conventions of what had laden the dormant genre and replaced them with clever design.
The world of Tyria was painted with luminous color that enriched its attractive environments. The characters that walked its ground were lifelike, both in animation and design. Additionally, exploration of its beautiful zones was rewarded, so venturing off the beaten path was encouraged. The result was a virtual world that was as inviting as it was alive.
For a subscription-free game, Guild Wars 2’s systems were bold and interesting. Using timing to prevent damage with dodging and damage-mitigating skills was a fresh take on combat. The separation of PvE and PvP created a balanced atmosphere for competitive and casual gamers to duke it out. The massive battles that were waged in WvW were some of the most uncanny we’ve ever seen in an online RPG.
The sum of its parts was a balanced game that revitalized the genre and became the new standard for MMOs going forward.
Runners Up:
- Planetside 2
- Torchlight II
- Dustforce
- Tribes: Ascend
Click here to see the rest of GameRevolution's Best of 2012 Awards.
