Traditional MMORPG addicts may not find much here to tempt them away from their usual poison. Leveling is quick and painless, penalties for failure are slim, trade skills are practically non-existent --much here would be anathema to a game with the same old Everquest structure. Committed players will hit the level cap in a few days -- but that's really where the game begins. If PvP's not your bag, Guild Wars isn't your game, but you should really have been able to tell that from the title.

On the other hand, if tedious leveling up, dull combat, or uninspired player vs. player gaming are your quibbles with today's massively multiplayer offerings, Guild Wars is the cure. With its user-friendly and bug-free client, immensely well thought out design, flexible structure, and first-class PVP, NCSoft's latest is off to an excellent start -- and the price is certainly right. Don't miss it.