8:16 pm, November 19, 2013
526
Fractals: The source of the problem
Well after looking over these new previews for the next update I found myself immensely underwhelmed, and even bordering on offended. This is primarily because I dont play Fractals, and dislike getting an update that offers non-fractal players nothing to do with their time. And yes; I understand how hypocritical that is given the small number of fractals related updates verses the large number of pure PvE open world/dungeon updates.
So I set out to logically think my way out of that contradiction, but found it near impossible to do for one reason; Fractals of the Mists ruined Guild Wars 2.
Let me just slip into my flame shield before I explain that. There we are.alright. So what possible reason could I have for making that claim? Well look at what this game mode is. By its very nature Fractals of the Mists is entirely focused on its core engagement to the player- is what is often considered the worst part of traditional MMO endgame, even by players who prefer traditional MMO endgame; repetition. This is literally the dull and repetitive endgame content that you repeat ad nauseam while waiting for new content and grinding out better equipment with low drop rates. That is what Fractals is. Period. You go in and repeat a random selection of the same few dungeon rooms over and over again while hoping for a lucky drop.
But that isnt all. As pathetic as it is that could be forgiven because it does, to an extent, offer the hardcore players some place where they can get something vaguely reminiscent of a challenge. But sadly the flaws dont end there. Fractals was designed and implemented as a way of facilitating that one thing nearly everyone who Arena Net lured in with their early marketing didnt want; statistical gear progression. Not only was Ascended gear initially limited to Fractals (as low probability drops) but Fractals also demanded that progression through the agony system. It was, in short, traditional MMO endgame forced onto the GW2 community.
True or not the prevailing perception to this day is that if you didnt have the best gear you would be destroyed in WvW and couldnt get into a group for PvE. And the only way to get the best gear was Fractals. And you needed better gear to reach the higher level Fractals so you had better odds of getting the best gear. It was the same treadmill, the same endless cycle, and the same plague that spread out and infected other game modes and playstyles. Were it not for Fractals I wouldnt have to grind dailies and monthlies for a month or more just to get a damned amulet I dont want only to be told I still cant PUG because I dont have the rings that go with it. So youll forgive me for being a tad bitter.
But wait; theres more!
So there you have it. All this combined and it is pretty clear that Fractals of the Mists is the singular embodiment of everything that went wrong with Guild Wars 2. You may begin flaming me now, just dont expect me to pay attention.
So I set out to logically think my way out of that contradiction, but found it near impossible to do for one reason; Fractals of the Mists ruined Guild Wars 2.
Let me just slip into my flame shield before I explain that. There we are.alright. So what possible reason could I have for making that claim? Well look at what this game mode is. By its very nature Fractals of the Mists is entirely focused on its core engagement to the player- is what is often considered the worst part of traditional MMO endgame, even by players who prefer traditional MMO endgame; repetition. This is literally the dull and repetitive endgame content that you repeat ad nauseam while waiting for new content and grinding out better equipment with low drop rates. That is what Fractals is. Period. You go in and repeat a random selection of the same few dungeon rooms over and over again while hoping for a lucky drop.
But that isnt all. As pathetic as it is that could be forgiven because it does, to an extent, offer the hardcore players some place where they can get something vaguely reminiscent of a challenge. But sadly the flaws dont end there. Fractals was designed and implemented as a way of facilitating that one thing nearly everyone who Arena Net lured in with their early marketing didnt want; statistical gear progression. Not only was Ascended gear initially limited to Fractals (as low probability drops) but Fractals also demanded that progression through the agony system. It was, in short, traditional MMO endgame forced onto the GW2 community.
True or not the prevailing perception to this day is that if you didnt have the best gear you would be destroyed in WvW and couldnt get into a group for PvE. And the only way to get the best gear was Fractals. And you needed better gear to reach the higher level Fractals so you had better odds of getting the best gear. It was the same treadmill, the same endless cycle, and the same plague that spread out and infected other game modes and playstyles. Were it not for Fractals I wouldnt have to grind dailies and monthlies for a month or more just to get a damned amulet I dont want only to be told I still cant PUG because I dont have the rings that go with it. So youll forgive me for being a tad bitter.
But wait; theres more!
- Fractals segregates the overall community (Those who play fractals get the best gear faster and often wont play with people do lack that gear).
- Fractals segregates its own community (Why party up for level 2 fractals when you can get better drop rates in level 40?)
- Fractals facilitates the necessity of gem-store consumables and pay-to-win attitudes (You need instant repair cans so you dont slow down the party or worse; cause a wipe due to broken gear).
- Fractals invalidates crafting (not only could you not craft Ascended items for a long time, you still cant currently trade these items. This makes Fractals the only place to reliably obtain Ascended items if you dont or cant afford to craft items. This is severely detrimental to the already struggling crafting community).
So there you have it. All this combined and it is pretty clear that Fractals of the Mists is the singular embodiment of everything that went wrong with Guild Wars 2. You may begin flaming me now, just dont expect me to pay attention.