In addition, the expansion introduces a load of new skills dedicated exclusively to the story based campaign. These skills aren't limited to any specific class, and can help to greatly overcome weaknesses. But players must win a series of challenges in order to earn them. Norn respect individual strength, so players must enter into a series of solo arena battles, which spell bad news for characters that specialize in support. The Asura value intellect, so they have a game called Polymock, where players pick three creatures to transform into and battle almost Pokemon style against opponents. There are also a group of skills that have little bearing on anything, such as the brass knuckle brawling skills introduced by the Dwarves.

The main exploration is about as difficult as the latter half of any campaign, except creature patrol patterns overlap, resulting in small skirmishes that escalate out of control. However, the quests are downright rough, with monsters that reach up to level 28. Player's won't necessarily need epic armor empowered by runes or heroes outfitted with upgraded gear and elite skills, but it helps to have them. Adventuring into the cavernous Depths of Tyria often lead to extremely difficult and demoralizing smack downs. Among the most frustrating include a cave where multiple groups of Necromancers and Monks raise and sustain a tremendous army of horrors to completely overwhelm players inside tight corridors. Dungeon Quests start simply enough, but rise to Master Quest difficulties, and players will struggle to get into deeper levels. To add to the difficulties, gamers need to trade for dungeon maps, or else rely solely on their minimap to get around.

The Hall of Monuments, attached to the Eye of the North, commemorates gamers' achievements. Ultimately, these achievements will give players bonuses in Guild Wars 2 when it launches.

Loyal fans of the original Prophecies campaign longed for a true expansion to cap off the story and give their high level characters a greater challenge. GWEN delivers that challenge in a package dedicated almost entirely to the roleplaying campaign. The engaging story and characters, coupled with gorgeous graphics (especially the fire effects), provide plenty of motivation to drive players on. Heroes looking to prove their might and fighting prowess need only open the doors to the Eye of the North.