Co-op
It would seem strange to get rid of the healer-tank-DPS trinity in an MMORPG. One would expect that this interdependence would allow for a more complete team experience when in fact it may be even more enjoyable and teamwork friendly because of the trinity’s removal. Why? FREEDOM. You can literally do whatever you want. Everyone can heal, everyone can tank, everyone can do damage, everyone can revive, everyone can give buffs… everyone can help everyone in every way. You can choose to level by yourself, or with others, and it’s just as fun either way. Not to mention, it also removes the whole “job-like” feel of being a leg in the tripod and potential tensions caused by a player not doing their job and PULLING AGGRO FROM THE ENTIRE ROOM LIKE A F…
Factions? There are no Factions. There are different Worlds (servers) that you will eventually fight WvW (World vs. World), but the worlds each have the same races, and they do not overlap. GW2 is very striking in how much it supports teamwork. Everyone gets the same amount of XP if involved in a kill, and you get the same amount of XP whether you skilled the mob by yourself, or with others. Also everyone gets to loot any kill that is lootable, everyone gets credit if they’re working towards quests, and team work is especially necessary for events and dungeons.
Teamwork – whether it’s with a group, doing events, or just healing/reviving others – also garners Karma Points, which are very similar to WoW’s Honor Points, and can later be used to purchase cool gear.
And, if you are in a group with friends who are in the same area as yourself, not only can you help each other with quests, events, and vistas, you can actually help each other out in your own individual story quests! This way, you don’t have to get separated when it comes time to do your story quests.
Overall, GW2 greatly supports the whole teamwork dynamic. Kinda reminds me a Care Bears, except with giant sharks, spiders, ghosts, elementals, ogres, the undead, epic gear, pets, demonic minions, and much… much more.
