VIDEO GAMES: Anyone want to give me lots of money?

Because the collector's editions (both digital and physical) for Guild Wars 2 have been announced today and they're pretty stinkin sweet! On April 10th, people will be able to start pre-ordering each version of the game. There are three total. The first is a digital version of just the game itself (probably what I'll end up getting). The second option is the Digital Deluxe Version! This includes the game and this cool in-game stuff:
 - Summon Mistfire Wolf Elite Skill: Allows player to summon a wolf pet to help them in combat.
 - Rytlock Miniature: A mini Rytlock that will follow you around in game.
 - Golem Banker: For 5 days this dude will let you access your account bank from anywhere (odd that it's only for 5 days though).
 - Chalice of Glory: A one-time use item that unlocks PvP rewards and compares your progress to others. (Agin, odd that it's only one-use).
 - Tome of Influence: Another one-time use item that allows your guild to unlock vaults, emblems and other guild items.

Now those are all the bonuses for the Digital Deluxe Version. The third and final option is the physical Collector's Edition! This includes all the in-game bonuses from the Digital Deluxe as well as this stuff:
 - 10-inch Figuring of Rytlock: Exactly what it sounds like.
 - 112 page Making of Guild Wars 2 Book: That should be pretty sweet.
 - Custom Art Frame: For displaying your obsessive GW2 self-made art.
 - Art Portfolio and 5 Art Prints: When you realize your own art isn't good enough to put in the frame.
 - Best of Guild Wars 2 Soundtrack CD: For the one person who still has a CD player.

All three options will be available on April 10th and in addition to this stuff, anyone who orders early will also get Access to All Guild Wars 2 Beta Weekend Events, three days of headstart access to the game and Hero's Band, an item that improves all of your in-game stats. The Collector's Edition will set you back $149.99 and no prices have been revealed for the digital versions. So what do you think? Will you be forking over the money for a collector's edition?

 

VIDEO GAMES: Guild Wars 2 has spiked some interest.

As you may have seen a couple days ago, NCSoft opened sign-ups for the Guild Wars 2 beta. The window to sign up was only 48 hours and it ended today...but over 1 million people still tried to get in. This is extremely promising for the folks over at NCSoft as it's clear the interest and desire for something new in the MMO genre is there. Hopefully the beta doesn't fail to impress since if it is successful it can prove to lead to massive success for Guild Wars 2. Did you sign up for the beta? Interested in GW2?

VIDEO GAMES: Here we go!

Well another one of my most anticipated games of the year is nearing the final stages of development. Guild Wars 2 has opened the doors for people to register for the game's beta today. There will only be a 48 hour window to sign up so if you want to play the beta you better get on it! I got myself signed up for now but I'm pretty sure my laptop (which I use during the week) doesn't quite have the capability to run the thing. But who knows, maybe you guys will get lucky.

To sign up for the beta follow the link HERE!

VIDEO GAMES: Diablo III might have a console competitor!

So we've all heard the rumors floating around the Blizzard is trying to develop Diablo III for consoles as well as PC. I've always thought this was a great idea as Diablo is the obvious choice from the Blizzard canon to attempt a new outlet. However, they may not be alone. Today a conference call has revealed that Guild Wars 2 may also be in development for consoles! According to Guild Wars Insider, the console version would not release at the same time as the PC version since the PC version is already in its final stages. But it does sound like this is something that NCSoft and ArenaNet are working on. However, ArenaNet has responded to the rumor stating, "We stated multiple times in public that we have a small team working on a console version, but that we are fully dedicated to make the most kickass game for PC"

Head over to Guild Wars Insider for the full story HERE!

VIDEO GAMES: 2012 is shaping up nicely.

Well we know there's some awesome movies and video games coming in 2012 and today we got some good news regarding Guild Wars 2. Arena Net's Blog has posted a story stating that the beta for GW2 will begin in February! Initially select press will be able to get in on the action but they are looking to expand the beta by March and April to give as many people a chance to participate as possible. It also confirms that the game will indeed be released sometime this year. If beta is already beginning it's safe to say the likelihood of a 2012 release is very strong. Personally I actually hope it's not until later in the year so I can keep spending time with SWTOR and hopefully get some time in with Diablo III once it hits shelves. Are you excited for GW2??

For the full blog post click HERE!

VIDEO GAMES: Prepare to be MESMERized!

Yes that's the title I went with. Today the reveal trailer for the final playable class in Guild Wars 2 hit the internet and showed us the Mesmer. This was one of the classes available in the first Guild Wars and I played it quite a bit. The Mesmer will focus on what could be referred to as alteration magic. Stuff like creating copies of yourself to fool enemies, making teleportation platforms to move quickly from place to place in combat, making your entire party invisible to help sneak up on foes and more. From the video it looks like they'll be a little more beneficial in combat than they were in the first game where they were pretty much useful for mostly buffing the group they were in. I'm excited for Guild Wars 2 not just because it looks to offer an awesome MMO that doesn't require a monthly fee, but because the first Guild Wars remains one of my favorite games to this day. Hopefully we get an official release date soon!