Guild Wars Factions PC
  • Publisher: NCSOFT
  • Release Date: Apr 28, 2006
Metascore
84 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
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  1. AtomicGamer
    92
    Overall, Factions is an excellent package. While players of Prophecies may look at it and see a $50 price tag and complain, the game is truly complete - it isn't just a straight up expansion pack.
  2. Game Chronicles
    91
    The gameplay is now as polished as a new katana and Factions adds plenty of new features to keep players engaged until a third expansion arrives sometime in the next few months.
  3. Digital Entertainment News
    91
    Anyone who can’t see the value in playing such a beautiful game online when there are no monthly fees required needs... therapy.
  4. RewiredMind
    90
    Guild Wars: Factions is a rich, detailed and diverse world with plenty of scope for expansion, and already has me looking forward to seeing Chapter 3 when it comes out. This game can convert even the most ardent Planetsiders (most of my Guild actually) and the fun that both chapters offer is never-ending.
  5. AceGamez
    90
    Once more they've created not only a mesmerisingly beautiful world but also an infinitely playable one to boot.
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  6. GameZone
    90
    Allowing players to move Prophecy characters to Factions landscapes and quest streams is a definite plus.
  7. Cheat Code Central
    90
    Fairly balanced and sharp looking, it may lack some of the depth of its competitors but it does more than hold its own by providing an exciting competitive combat experience rounded out by impressive visuals on anyone’s system and the right MMO aspects sprinkled throughout.
  8. 1UP
    90
    Each module of Factions was obviously overseen by the staunchest of perfectionists, because they work amazingly well. Factions is a must-buy for Guild Wars fans and a must-try for everyone else.
  9. Worth Playing
    90
    The combination of setting, graphical tweaks, and additional content have done nothing more than forge the experience into exactly what it should have been from the very beginning.
  10. WHAM! Gaming
    90
    The series could benefit from features such as other playable races or a crafting system, but you'll likely be so busy adventuring that you won't have much time for gathering herbs.
  11. Yahoo! Games
    90
    Committed Guild Wars players will probably have bought it already -- if you haven't taken the plunge yet, it's the perfect opportunity to try this unique and beautiful game.
  12. GameSpy
    90
    On a very meaningful level, it gives complete newcomers access to the most exciting aspect of the game right out of the box. And should those players decide to sample everything that it has to offer, they will not be disappointed.
  13. IC-Games
    89
    The interface could have done with some tweaking, as it’s not immediately obvious what everything does, but aside from that there really isn’t any reason why you should give Factions a run.
  14. Computer Games Online RO
    88
    For veteran players, Factions offers little in terms of PvE but more than makes up for it in PvP, especially if you’re a member of an experienced guild.
  15. Gamer 2.0
    88
    Guild Wars Factions not only gives longtime fans a taste of something new, but it allows newcomers to jump right in and start playing.
  16. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    87
    It’s not as heavy on the role-playing as a subscription MMO, and it’s not usually as instantly gratifying as an online shooter, but it strikes a great balance for the casual MMO fan and the achievement-oriented action fan alike.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 95 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 32
  3. Negative: 3 out of 32
  1. NickRoof
    10
    Loved it! It is true, you do reach the max level half of the way through, but that simply means you don't need to grind or quest for hours to get to the top. Overall the PvP is the part that shines the brightest to me. The Alliance Battles are fun and truely got me back into Guild Wars.… Full Review »
  2. CowardlyDog
    10
    Very good campaign for a very good game, still just as fun and as addictive, especially with the new classes. An entire new area is opened up and ready for exploration, with the best part being it doesn't burn a hole in your wallet!… Full Review »
  3. WilliamG
    8
    I happen to own each expansion of Guild Wars and have to admit that Factions is probably the most enjoyable one that I have played so far. Not much is really changed from the original but it did add new content but not anything 'new' to the idea. Cool thing is that your characters can travel either expansion that you have. Of course it's not easy to get there in the first place if your not ready. I will say that Factions is the shortest out of the 3 expansions, so hitting cap will be roughly 6 hours or less depending on if you complete every quest on the starting island first and do some hunting mixed with that. Only downside that I found was the lack of skills your character is given. Prophecies allowed your character to gain skills through quests. In Factions your character gets some skills, but the rest have to be bought through skill trainers if your willing to spend some gold. Not the best way but sometimes you have no choice. Graphics did'nt change much, though there is some difference in EOTN than Nightfall and Factions. Overall Factions is an ok place to start and the two new classes, Assassin and Ritualist (a.k.a. Sin and Spirit Spammer), add some spice into the original 6 (Warrior, Ranger, Monk, Necromancer, Mesmer and Elementalist) so I give it an 8. Not perfect, but still worth playing. I would suggest on getting this in retail if available as a platnium edtion so you get the original and one of the mentioned expansions or get the whole triology for one price. … Full Review »
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