Guild Wars: Factions

One of the most popular MMORPG’s (massively multiplayer online role playing games) on the market is Guild Wars.  The release of Guild Wars came with such stunning success that the second in the series was recently released, Guild Wars:  Factions.  This game is sure to be a success, just like its predecessor.

Guild Wars:  Factions takes place on a different continent than the first game.  It is an Asian inspired land called Cantha.  You don’t need to have the first Guild Wars in order to play Guild Wars: Factions.  But it is nice if you do have it because you can travel back and forth between Cantha and Tyria (the land in the first game).  You can play with your previously created character from the first game, or create a new one.

The story takes place 200 years after the Emperor of Cantha is murdered by his supposedly loyal bodyguard, Shiro Tagachi.  A battle ensues after the Emperor’s death and Shiro soon faces his own death.  It is said that his death wail was so full of anger and hate that the sea turned to jade and the forest became petrified.  Now, 200 years later, Shiro’s angry spirit returns to create havoc on the land of Canthu.

The land of Canthu has 2 factions that are at war between each other:  the Kurzicks and the Luxons.  The Kurzicks are highly religious and conservative.  They are made up of artisans and crafters.  The Luxons are a nomadic type people that are always on the move.  They used to dwell in the sea, but since it has been turned to jade, they travel across it on huge walking machines.  They believe only the strong survive.  You must decide which faction you wish be allied with and be at war against the other.

There are many new additions in Guild Wars:  Factions.  First, there are two new professions:  a deadly assassin and a ritualist who can summon dark spirits.  Second, there are over 300 new skills, including 90 new elite skills.  There are also 100 new creatures, 50 new locations, new pets, new weapons, new items, new armor, new guild halls, and new customizable looks for your character creation.

Guild Wars:  Factions has the same controls as the first game so if you have played it before, you will have no problem.  The soundtrack is quite nice to listen to and not too repetitive.  All of the lush environments are highly detailed and colorful.  This is to be expected because of how great the previous game looked.  Expect to be playing long hours for many months.  This game is sure not to bore you.

Guild Wars:  Factions is only available for your PC.  It has an ESRB rating of T for Teen.  This is because the game features the use of alcohol, violence, and suggestive themes.  A strategy guide is available for those of you who need a bit of help.