Massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPG) are a new type of computer game which are proving enormously successful around the world. Client software is installed on your PC, and this lets you connect to the game's servers. Joining thousands - even millions - of other players online, you are no longer restricted to just grinding through a storyline by yourself. Usually MMORPGs like Lord of the Rings have a monthly subscription fee, on top of the initial fee required to purchase the game software.
Guild Wars from ArenaNet does away with these subscription fees. Once you have bought the software, installed it, and created an account to log in to the game, everything is free. This gives players the chance to play Guild Wars as little or as often as they want. The lack of a monthly fee is a big advantage. Copies of the software can be bought very cheaply via online retailers, making Guild Wars a cheap and fun introduction to the world of online role playing games, fuelling a thriving demand for Guild Wars maps.
Eye of the North is the first expansion to the three Guild Wars campaigns - Prophecies, Factions and Nightfall. Designed both for experienced Guild Wars players, and as a bridge to Guild Wars 2, Eye of the North introduces two new NPC races - the Asura and the Norn.
The Asura and the Norn each have a relevant new Title Track. You will need to advance on these to gain access to Asura and Norn NPCs in Eye of the North, unlocking access to new Guild Wars skills.
Eye of the North takes place 8 years after "The Searing" happens in the Prophecies. A series of earthquakes shake all 3 of Guild Wars' continents where each of the stand alone Guild Wars campaigns takes place. Strange beasts rise from the abysses created by the earthquake, thus starting your character's journey to the Eye of the North.
Dungeons play a much bigger role in Eye of the North compared to previous titles like Guild Wars Nightfall. Even the Eye of the North maps have been upgraded to accommodate the new dungeon features. Each time you complete a dungeon you will be rewarded with a new completed page in your quest logbook. You can then exchange completed quest books to one of the Title Track factions for massive amounts of Reputation points.
Eye of the North is ArenaNet's first true expansion, requiring one of the existing campaigns to be purchased first. Aimed at existing gamers, there are no new professions or characters available. New features are provided for existing gamers, like the Hall of Monuments where you can save things like Guild Wars armor as well as other character information. This feature is available to provide a link between characters from Guild Wars, and the sequel, Guild Wars 2, which is due in 2008.