[Reth]

321spike.com officially launched in Janurary and began posting articles over the months that followed. Spike will offer Guild Wars 2 competitive PvP news, reviews, and tournament coverage. Eventually, We hope that we will be hosting tournaments of our own for prizes and fame within the Guild Wars 2 PvP community, actively driving content in the game itself. So look forward to community driven tournaments and prizes upon the release of Guild Wars 2.

Spike will be a place for PvP fans who want to help start a new community grow rather than being a nameless poster in other already well-developed PvP communities. Original members of communities like ours earn respect and popularity as the community continues to evolve. Check us out and be sure to register and introduce yourself on the forums:
http://www.321spike.com
Be sure to check your spam folder for your activation e-mail after registering, as we are a new website.
Alternatively, just add forums@321spike.com to your contact list.


LATEST POSTS:

Press Beta Video Compilation
How to Create an Effective Team Build (Research & Metagame, Pt. 1/5)
How to Create an Effective Team Build (Design & Goals, Pt. 2/5)
How to Create an Effective Team Build (Build Analysis, Pt. 3/5)

Edited by Reth, 15 March 2012 - 10:34 PM.

[FoxBat]

The name is ironic since I'm not sure how much "321spike" will dominate conquest, but community run tournaments are always good in my book.

[Reth]

One can only speculate strategies for 5v5 Guild Wars 2 PvP at the moment. We have had a few hints from the ArenaNet team (check the interviews on guildwars2pvp.com). While spiking may not be as viable of a strategy as it was in the original Guild Wars, it still will be a useful tactic.

Realistically, all spiking is just focusing damage on a single target.

But yes, we had the same doubts when choosing the name, ultimately we decided our connection to the GW community as a whole, people would understand the nomenclature.

[Reth]

New article up discussing the importance of siege weapons in both forms of PvP and how it will affect your team's build.
Direct Link

Edited by Reth, 18 January 2012 - 04:15 AM.

[Reth]

New article up:
World versus World: Potential Suckfest...

Quote

"So much of WvW is going to depend on dumb luck. The over-complexity of the whole WvW element is going to shut down the illusion of tactics and make room for the fortunate and lucky. For the unlucky, the drawbacks are too great and they’re more likely to quit the game altogether than re-roll a character on a new server.

If you liked this article and have something more to say please register and get some discussion going on our forums! Thanks!

Edited by Reth, 20 January 2012 - 03:04 AM.

[Sard]

hmmm...interesting. I've paid close attention to everything they've told us/shown us for pvp in gw2 and I don't think I have quite enough information to go quite as far as this.

A lot of forum chatter is about pve of course, but there is a very strong (and eager) pvp crowd here too who might have some useful information and thoughts to share.

My prediction is that there will be plenty of high end matches once the player base gets going, gets used to things like trebuchets, catapults, the new "siege suit" teaser we just got, etc. And as with every game out there, people will put together strategies, team/player builds to dominate as efficiently (and quickly) as possible.

I hope Anet's design philosophies and mechanics hold out against the formula crowd myself so that it doesn't matter what character you bring, but much more whether you are a skilled and adaptable pvp player.

Thanks for the interesting read.

[obverkid00]

Reth, allow me to disagree with a couple of points here.

1. Server ladder is going to ensure that matched up servers are of similar power.
- Yes, it's not going to work for the first couple of WvW, but as Sard said, once it gets stabilised I think it'll work just fine.

2. Look around the Internets for the leaked WvW maps. You'll see that their size and the amount of content ensures the playerbase is nicely split. A-Net is doing their best in this regard and from what I've seen so far, it looks good. This + Umbra Technology should minimize the lags.

3. What's in for the PvErs? The so called "World PK" some PvE guys might miss so much.
There are mobs, quests, DEs + people = PvE + PvP.

Quote

In conclusion, so much of WvW is going to depend on dumb luck. The over-complexity of the whole WvW element is going to shut down the illusion of tactics and make room for the fortunate and lucky.

I strongly disagree here. WvW is going to be chaotic, there's no doubt about that, that is why I think tactics and organization will be key. Big guilds and guild alliances will play the largest role in WvW and those can usually organize themselves pretty well.

Edited by obverkid00, 19 January 2012 - 10:09 PM.
now it shouldn't be confusing anymore.

[FoxBat]

I don't see how you can disagree with the premise that "WvW might fail." The ideas could be grand, all comes down to execution, and we haven't seen any actual exeuction. It would be nice if you could bother to get some other facts correct though:

- There's no such thing as a designated "PvP" server because there is no Open PvP. Doesn't meant there won't be PvP population imbalances, but it does mean that this one won't be a factor.

- Switch servers is supposed to be fairly painless. The only limiting factor that is preventing over-flopping due to WvW. So if you are on a WvW server that loses week after week after week, whatever hoops you have to jump through, you shouldn't have to reroll to play somewhere else. This alone is going to make population dynamics over time look very different from your average MMO, as you aren't stuck on a low-pop server if you later decide it's an issue.

[obverkid00]

Quote

I don't see how you can disagree with the premise that "WvW might fail."

Neither do I, I disagree with what he quoted.

Quote

There's no such thing as a designated "PvP" server because there is no Open PvP. Doesn't meant there won't be PvP population imbalances, but it does mean that this one won't be a factor.

I believe that is exactly what he meant, just a poor choice of words.

[Reth]

1. If you get stuck with a bad server all "server rank" will mean jack if you are continually rated (high?) badly.

2. Really only speculative at this point, not enough is known and judgements can only be made by best or worst case scenarios.

3. PvEvPvP? Seems redundant.

I'm just tired of people claiming WvW to be the greatest thing ever, basing that claim off of their gut feelings alone. At least , it seems like you know a few things about it which bounces back some knowledge to me. I appreciate that.

If you liked this article and have something more to say please register and get some discussion going on our forums! Thanks!

Edited by Reth, 20 January 2012 - 03:04 AM.

[ziel]

Nice name ^^ even though it is unlikely to see spiking return as a major component in PvP given the dodging, relatively bigger health pools and stuff. Will keep an eye on your site though :)

[LastDay]

If your server constantly loses in WvWvW you'll eventually start getting matched up against other servers that constantly lose.
From what I've understood it uses the ELO rating system, the same system they use in Chess.
If I remember right Starcraft 2 uses it as well, and that has worked pretty well.

Basically the server gains or loses points depending on the opponent and whether it was a win or a loss.
Winning against a worse server gives less points than winning against a better one.
Losing to a better server removes less points than losing to a worse one.


As for balance... well it's not really designed to be super balanced.
It's designed to be somewhere you can go to kick butt and take names without worrying about people getting too serious and yelling at you.
The strategy part probably comes in mostly when big guilds are working together to capture or hold a keep, not so much when attacking a caravan with people you don't know.


Also you don't need to re-roll to play on a different server.
You can switch servers for free, although WvWvW will have some kind of system to prevent abuse most likely.
Maybe a week or two-week delay until you can play it on your new server, but nothing permanent.

Edited by LastDay, 20 January 2012 - 01:12 AM.

[Cydox]

Quote

People complained about QQ's "10 things I don't like about GW2" but that article served its purpose, because it got discussed *everywhere*

This quote is out of context ofcourse, It's not like that was it's sole purpose, however..

Arn't you just mimicing the bad lighting upon a gw2 matter to gain popularity as an open minded and criteque-able site?

[Chad]

Interesting read, cant wait for this site to grow. good topics to bounce back and forth

[Syipher]

Nice :)

Im looking forward to seeing how the community ran PVP tournaments turn out especially if they at a spectator mode.

[obverkid00]

Quote

Aren't you just mimicing the bad lighting upon a gw2 matter to gain popularity as an open minded and criteque-able site?

That's what I thought as well, it's good to have these topic though. You need a site or two like that to keep up the heat ;)

[Reth]

FoxBat said:

- There's no such thing as a designated "PvP" server because there is no Open PvP. Doesn't meant there won't be PvP population imbalances, but it does mean that this one won't be a factor.

Even if there isn't, won't some servers have more PvE-oriented players vs. PvP or even RP-oriented players?

FoxBat said:

- Switch servers is supposed to be fairly painless. The only limiting factor that is preventing over-flopping due to WvW. So if you are on a WvW server that loses week after week after week, whatever hoops you have to jump through, you shouldn't have to reroll to play somewhere else. This alone is going to make population dynamics over time look very different from your average MMO, as you aren't stuck on a low-pop server if you later decide it's an issue.

No,you shouldn't have to re-roll, someone mentioned character server transfers will be free for players every once in a while. But won't everyone eventually gravitate towards the servers with the highest rank, leaving other servers with ultra-diminished populations?

[Quang]

When I click on the ''WvW: Potential Suckfest, read more by clicking here" it only opens up the picture....

[Bridger]

Just as a bit of constructive feedback, I found this section troubling:

Quote

As we get continue to get closer, the fanboys are starting to emerge from the depths of a Dorito bag and long benders on World of Warcraft, posting on forums and talking about how “Awesome, Amazing, and WoW Killing” Guild Wars 2 will be.

I realize this is a bit toung-in-cheek, but the gaming community is already stereotyped by non-gamers in this way. I don't think it's a good idea if we, as gamers, support such a stereotype. It just felt like a childish ad hominem attack against people who might disagree with you. It immediately lowered my impression of the writer/site and made me less likely to come back.

[Reth]

Quang said:

When I click on the ''WvW: Potential Suckfest, read more by clicking here" it only opens up the picture....

This has been fixed. Thank you!

Bridger said:

Just as a bit of constructive feedback, I found this section troubling:


I realize this is a bit toung-in-cheek, but the gaming community is already stereotyped by non-gamers in this way. I don't think it's a good idea if we, as gamers, support such a stereotype. It just felt like a childish ad hominem attack against people who might disagree with you. It immediately lowered my impression of the writer/site and made me less likely to come back.

I'm sorry if I offended you. If I can explain, it was only a joke to poke fun at super fans, not to be taken seriously. I suppose that's hard to get across over the internet. As a huge fan Guild Wars 2, it was almost a joke made towards myself. However I am a fan that thinks with logic rather than feelings, I don't believe Guild Wars 2 will "kill WoW", there are going to be players that enjoy play GW2 and some people that will still play WoW. I'm sure some people will even play both!

[Bridger]

Reth said:

This has been fixed. Thank you!




I'm sorry if I offended you. If I can explain, it was only a joke to poke fun at super fans, not to be taken seriously. I suppose that's hard to get across over the internet. As a huge fan Guild Wars 2, it was almost a joke made towards myself. However I am a fan that thinks with logic rather than feelings, I don't believe Guild Wars 2 will "kill WoW", there are going to be players that enjoy play GW2 and some people that will still play WoW. I'm sure some people will even play both!

I realize it was a joke, but it's kind of in line with "lets make jokes about how black people like fried chicken and watermelon." It's a tounge-in-cheek reference that everybody should understand is "not serious," but the problem is that there are people out there who actually think these things. It's the kind of thing you might find in a forum post, but isn't the kind of thing I'd expect to find in a high quality "respectable" article.

So I wasn't "offended" per-se, but simply felt that it detracted from the air of legitimacy that the rest of the post had.

[Reth]

Bridger said:

I realize it was a joke, but it's kind of in line with "lets make jokes about how black people like fried chicken and watermelon." It's a tounge-in-cheek reference that everybody should understand is "not serious," but the problem is that there are people out there who actually think these things. It's the kind of thing you might find in a forum post, but isn't the kind of thing I'd expect to find in a high quality "respectable" article.

So I wasn't "offended" per-se, but simply felt that it detracted from the air of legitimacy that the rest of the post had.

I'm sorry you feel that way, we at 321spike try not to take ourselves too seriously. Fortunately the people who actually believe modern gamers behave in that manner will never find themselves reading an article about WvW gameplay on a Guild Wars 2 fan site. :)

It was, a perhaps uncouth but benevolent jest, about the gamer lifestyle as an inside joke for gamers. Once again, I'm sorry, but when I write I try to put a little personality in the articles. Maybe this was a little too far for some people.

However, I really DON'T think it's comparable with racism. That may be taking it a bit too seriously.

[Bridger]

Reth said:

However, I really DON'T think it's comparable with racism. That may be taking it a bit too seriously.

You're right, it wasn't an entirely fair comparison.

[Reth]

Bridger said:

You're right, it wasn't an entirely fair comparison.

I'm liking the Podcast/Videos by the way!!

[Reth]

Just finished up a new article!
Expect more from this series later this week.

How to Create an Effective Team Build (Research & Metagame, Pt. 1/5)

[Hoolee]

ANet said changing server is easy.

Maybe changing server is as easy as GW1, just a click away from you.

About the siege vehicles ruining immersion, I dont think there will be that many sieges to be piloted...and I dont see why it would be ruining immersion. On the contrary, every ZERG vs ZERG battles should carry some. I would be dissapointed if it doesnt require any siege weapon to take keeps, fortesses, castles...

[Reth]

Hoolee said:

ANet said changing server is easy.

Maybe changing server is as easy as GW1, just a click away from you.

About the siege vehicles ruining immersion, I dont think there will be that many sieges to be piloted...and I dont see why it would be ruining immersion. On the contrary, every ZERG vs ZERG battles should carry some. I would be dissapointed if it doesnt require any siege weapon to take keeps, fortesses, castles...

Yeah, I wrote that article about a week before the PvP roundtable discussion interview on Guild Wars Insider. The interview answered a lot of questions about WvW and PvP as a whole.
If you're into theorycrafting or team-building, check out our newest article on the website.
--Reth from 321spike.com

[Hoolee]

Reth said:

Yeah, I wrote that article about a week before the PvP roundtable discussion interview on Guild Wars Insider. The interview answered a lot of questions about WvW and PvP as a whole.
If you're into theorycrafting or team-building, check out our newest article on the website.
--Reth from 321spike.com

I did. Didnt check out many classes, but what about 5 Hammer Warriors chain stunning ppl? I didnt hear about CC immunity timers yet so...And of course, all those 5 Warriors should be slotting Endure Pain, CC removal, dmg reducers, and of course, Warhorn in weapon set 2...:o

[Reth]

Hoolee said:

I did. Didnt check out many classes, but what about 5 Hammer Warriors chain stunning ppl? I didnt hear about CC immunity timers yet so...And of course, all those 5 Warriors should be slotting Endure Pain, CC removal, dmg reducers, and of course, Warhorn in weapon set 2...:o

Oh man... yeah, I suppose that might work. Just hope and pray that your damage output is enough to spike down enemies quickly. Plus, with all the extra utility in GW2 (turrets, aim-able trebuchets, stealth, fear, FLAMETHROWERS) you may not be able to pull off thumper builds like you could in the original Guild Wars.

I wonder if there's a rule against bringing more than 2 or 3 of one class to a match? They certainly should make that an option for private matches or tournaments.

[obverkid00]

@Hoolee
That'd work twice at most before people got conscious of it and you'd have a hard time catching them off guard.
Besides, I don't really see the point of this build - spiking down a single enemy in WvW means little and sacrificing 5 warriors just to kill one person in Conquest seems to be a bad idea.

Edited by obverkid00, 26 January 2012 - 02:40 PM.