Guild Wars 2 BWE2/Stress Test 2 Finale

The corruption begins...

The Crystal dragon can't wait, so can't we!

Branded

Near the end of both the second beta weekend and also for the small stress test that was held on the 27th, Guild Wars 2 hosted a finale event that was one of the most entertaining ones so far, one I hope will be part of the game in it's eventual release.

The event starts with the corruption of a few waypoints/players by the Crystal Dragon Kralkatorrik, the waypoints will become crystallized just as any "corrupted" players will take on one of the many forms of the "Branded", players who use the corrupted waypoints will also reappear as the Branded and the objective for this invading force is to contaminate other waypoints, kill players and ultimately invade the Black Citadel/eliminating Rytlock. While the uncontaminated player's tasks would be to destroy any invading force and to re-capture the waypoints by destroying the "Branded Crystal" at the sites.

Motivational Recruiter!

While Arenanet had already stated that there wouldn't be pvp in the pve environment, it was a fun change to have world pvp in the form of a meta-event where players can choose to be on either side and just fight it out as part of the story/event play out at the same time. The goals and objectives escalate in what I suspect is a system to balance out each side, in the very least the Branded at some point will spawn out Champion Devourers/Dragons that will march towards the Black Citadel and provide yet another event for players to accomplish in either defending or destroying these champions depending on which side you play as.

Branded player's underwater form

Branded Warrior Skillset
1 Branded Punch - Punch a single target with your giant branded fist
2 Lunge - Launch yourself at a target area, knocking down any enemies nearby when you land.
3 Throw Crystal Shard - Throw a crystal shard that cripples and bleeds your enemy
4 Corrupted War Cry - Removes conditions from allies and grants swiftness. Dazes nearby enemies
5 Crystal Frenzy - Knock down several targets with a massive kick, crush them with a mighty slam, and then unleash a torrent of lightning strikes on anyone left standing
6 - Signet of branded corruption (passive: grants regeneration and toughness) signet active (heal yourself and gain quickness)

Branded Warrior's skillset

Branded Ranger Skillset
1 Branded Slice - Slice your opponent with crystal fists
2 Flash and Brand - Teleport to your target, striking them and blinding nearby foes
3´Throw Crystal Shard - Throw a crystal shard that cripples and bleeds your enemy
4 ???
5 Crystal Mine Field - Create a field of crystal shards that explode and damage enemies
6 - Signet of branded corruption (passive: grants regeneration and toughness) signet active (heal yourself and gain quickness)

Branded Crystal/Contaminated Waypoint

     

The Shatterer's flyby

Need more Guild Wars 2!

While this was a stress test and of short duration, I noticed that there was virtually no lag during massive events although I'm still not sure at what point Arenanet is with the handling in general for the large scale events/battles...hopefully this is a good sign and while we wait...our friendly neighbourhood charr will cry for more!