GWFreaks 2.0 - New look, unlock skills and more! [Archive]

View Full Version : GWFreaks 2.0 - New look, unlock skills and more!

Zyo

02-07-2005, 02:19

After a full month of work, we finally released the version 2.0.

Go get your new version at http://www.gwfreaks.com
I've contact Tarrant Rahl and he should update the ftp version hosted here at gwonline.net soon.

New stuff!

- Completly new interface (too many changed to list them all)
- Add Ascalon Settlement to the map and liste in the location list.
- Elite location with in-map direct location based on popular Xennon
(http://www.xennon.co.uk/eliteskills/) information.
- Elite boss type added and searchable
- Template export adapted for various forum (include this forum)
- Global skill only support per account.
- Comment / Bug Report build-in capability
- Remove the automatic updater, must be done manually from the menu.

Fix:
- Captain Greywind was set by error in Ascalon City, but should be in Ascalon Settlement.
- Skill fix (description or properties): Healing seed, Dwayna'a kiss, Unatural signet, signet of wearness, signet of midnight, signet of humility, resurection signet, leech signet, keystone signet, retribution, Kindle Arrows, Ignite Arrow, Protective Bond, Plague Sending, Plague Signet, soul leach, healing signet, physical resistance.
- Remove pre desert zone elite boss location.
- Skill location fix: Mantra of lightning, Zealot's Fire.
- Energy cost adjustment with expertise no longer affects enchantments and spells.

Heres the features page:
http://www.gwfreaks.com/characterbuilderFeatures.aspx

Note: The old version will no longer be supported later this week

majoho

02-07-2005, 07:53

Here's a little feedback.

I like the unlocking fuction - that's pretty much it.

I don't like the skills don't 'calculate' in the main window anymore as they did in the old version (now it just shows what it would be if the attribute was 12).

Runes aren't included in the Attribute score in "Skill info" window so you now have to manually change that value to see what damge/duration the skill has.

A big step backwards I have to say.

I'd like to see a common skills being available without having to select 'all classes' - (I'm talking about Res Signet and Cap Signet).

Bug: The Ranger skill dodge is for some reason listed as a 'beast mastery' skill.

I really like the program, but 2.0 doesn't quite cut it in my opinion.

Zyo

02-07-2005, 13:28

I don't like the skills don't 'calculate' in the main window anymore as they did in the old version (now it just shows what it would be if the attribute was 12).

We added a numeric drop down near the attribute line to change the level directly.

Runes aren't included in the Attribute score in "Skill info" window so you now have to manually change that value to see what damge/duration the skill has.

We will fix that today.

I'd like to see a common skills being available without having to select 'all classes' - (I'm talking about Res Signet and Cap Signet).
It's also a mistake, we will add those skill too.

Bug: The Ranger skill dodge is for some reason listed as a 'beast mastery' skill.

Already fix yesterday.

VaZe

02-07-2005, 14:43

Errm, i dont know why, but when i try to run this program, i get an error..anyway..heres a pic: http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/8283/errorzor9oe.jpg

Zyo

02-07-2005, 14:45

http://www.gwfreaks.com/FAQ.aspx

Q: I'm getting a weird error when I launch the application (0xc0000135) ?

A: This is the .Net Framework, we rely on this technology to save us hours of programming. The .Net Framework is created by Microsoft for that purpose.

Sclopper

02-07-2005, 23:41

is there anyway possible you could add a place that shows you how to get it up and running i dont Understand ZIPS at all :( (could it include pictures?)

Also i get this weird error when i attempt to get it to run
__________________________________________________ _

Common Language Runtime Debugging Services

Application has generated an exception that could not be handled

Process id=0xbf0 (3056), Thread id=0xcf8 (3320)

Zyo

02-07-2005, 23:52

is there anyway possible you could add a place that shows you how to get it up and running i dont Understand ZIPS at all :( (could it include pictures?)
Just for you, I will spend a few hours setuping a installer or something.

I'm joking, if you having problem with the zip, your are probably not alone.

Basic ZIP concept
Zip is a compression format. Instead of downloading 6.7 meg you have a little less than 5 meg.

There is toons of tools to extract files from the zip. I know Windows XP have one build-in but my prefered one is winrar (http://www.rarlab.com/rar/wrar342.exe) (there is a trial version)

majoho

03-07-2005, 01:27

Awesome, thanks for the quick fixes - I would recommend this to anyone, it's an easy way to test your attributes settings without getting a penalty (in game you would waste attribute refunds).

The major thing in the new version as far as I can tell is that it now works on "account level" as well meaning you can keep track of your unlocked skills - I don't PvP at the moment but I know that when I start it will be nice to already know what skills I have unlocked for my account :)

:happy14:

Sclopper

03-07-2005, 03:50

Just for you, I will spend a few hours setuping a installer or something.

I'm joking, if you having problem with the zip, your are probably not alone.

Basic ZIP concept
Zip is a compression format. Instead of downloading 6.7 meg you have a little less than 5 meg.

There is toons of tools to extract files from the zip. I know Windows XP have one build-in but my prefered one is winrar (http://www.rarlab.com/rar/wrar342.exe) (there is a trial version)

i dont have trouble extracting i just extract and thats as far as i get when i get the file screen i have the 3 folders of icons GWFreaks program icon and something leb,lib so im stuck there i try opening the GWfreaks from there but i get an error and i dont really mind an extra 2 megs or so just as long as its easier then this.(im even willing to pay if i ever get money)

Edit: and ya got me all excited with the first sentence then i read the rest :(

Zyo

03-07-2005, 03:55

Do you have the .NET framework installed on your computer?

http://www.gwfreaks.com/FAQ.aspx

Q: I'm getting a weird error when I launch the application (0xc0000135) ?

A: This is the .Net Framework, we rely on this technology to save us hours of programming. The .Net Framework is created by Microsoft for that purpose.

You can get the .Net Framework via Windows update or just install this stand alone file: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=262D25E3-F589-4842-8157-034D1E7CF3A3&displaylang=en

Sclopper

03-07-2005, 03:57

ive downloaded the Net. Framework even though i dont have any such error message i get this one

Common Language Runtime Debugging Services

Application has generated an exception that could not be handled

Process id=0xbf0 (3056), Thread id=0xcf8 (3320)

Sifu Peng

05-07-2005, 19:18

oh WOW, you guys really improved everything. Simply amazing.

Buckiller

06-07-2005, 01:36

Shouldnt you change the two quest checks to The heroes challenge and secondary change?

Zyo

06-07-2005, 04:54

Shouldnt you change the two quest checks to The heroes challenge and secondary change?

We have revalidate those name in version 2.0.5 (http://www.gwfreaks.com) as well as other minor fix.

Buckiller

06-07-2005, 06:45

Question: Is there a way to make gwfreaks work with the game, see all the skills ive unlocked? Stream with my attribute allocations?

Buckiller

06-07-2005, 07:02

oops...also, on many of the skills, it says it can be unlocked by a priest in a city. What priest are they talking about? I dont care if its a spoiler. I would like to know.

majoho

06-07-2005, 08:45

The priests are only for PvP - it's where you can use your factions, and their locations are listed in the program.

majoho

06-07-2005, 08:55

I already reported it in the program before but the account settings for different characters doesn't work - the name you give them won't stick unless you do it in a rather cumbersome way - meaning:

1) Make the second char - save at char screen name will show correctly on account so far so good, save account settings.

2) Close program and start it again. Now for it to work right you have to delete the char (because the name is back to "My Character #") and click open - and here select the char with the name you chose before.

After this it works but that's not how it should work - step 2 shouldn't be needed.

Archer Druid

06-07-2005, 09:00

Well, I got a little problem...
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/8720/guildwars39wq.th.jpg (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=guildwars39wq.jpg)

Zyo

06-07-2005, 13:37

Question: Is there a way to make GWFreaks work with the game, see all the skills is unlocked? Stream with my attribute allocations?

Absolutely not, GWFreaks do not and will not ever interact with the game. It is strictly prohibited.

I already reported it in the program before but the account settings for different characters doesn't work
We will probably fix that into 2.0.6 tonight, because we do have a real job also and time is missing.

Archer Druid:
It that an upgraded version or prior 2.0.5 or a clean install ?

In both case can you tell me if you can see all 457 skills (in the account tab for instance) or having only access to few one. It's seems that on some computer the list of skills is not getting parsed properly.

Would you also be available for testing a "special" build of the program that contain more output information to help us quickly fix it. If so send me your email in PM. I will be back here at around 7PM EST time. Thanks.

Ratcatcher

07-07-2005, 02:05

Archer Druid:It that an upgraded version or prior 2.0.5 or a clean install ?Im getting the same error quite often if not every time on a clean 2.0.5 Install.

In both case can you tell me if you can see all 457 skills (in the account tab for instance) or having only access to few one.So far ive managed to see 2 skills total (0/2 unlocked) from version 2.0.0 to 2.0.5. Which one i see varies from install to install but always 1 Monk and 1 Elementalist skill.

Would you also be available for testing a "special" build of the program that contain more output information to help us quickly fix it. If so send me your email in PM. I will be back here at around 7PM EST time.Id be happy to help out as well if i can.

Zyo

07-07-2005, 02:35

We figure it out... that was a bug for non-English system! Version 2.0.6 is the most stable build we have so far. I will recommand Tarrant Rahl to update the reference on GWOnline.net ftp tonight.

Major Bug Fix:
- Fix a bug where most of the non-English windows could not load the skill database.
- Export now working with good value and for team/account.

Improvement:
- In Map tab, selecting a skill will update information windows and display the most relevant location of the skill.
- Account name and player name can now be change from the top right section.

Fix:
- In Skill tab, description now take into consideration runes & equipments bonus.
- Account/team now saved properly when changing player name.
- Display the energy maintain arrow icon in the information tab.
- Skills update: Penetrating Blow and Martyr.

Ratcatcher

07-07-2005, 06:05

Works like a charm now, thanks. :happy34:

kalaris

07-07-2005, 16:51

This Tool is simply wonderful, you guys deserve a medal!

I have absolutely no complaints about this version, I did have a slight problem when I imported a .xml from the last version to this one (it said I spent 77 attribute points when all my attributes were 0's) but I just recreated the character so no big deal!

I recommened it to my whole ~140 person guild, and I forsee us using it heavily.

I have a few suggestions for future versions:

I noticed on your site you have upcomming a way to calculate armor directly, are you planning on including all the top-level pvp armors in the builder so we can pick and chose the set? The reason I ask is when I export (completely awesome feature by the way, several formats!) , I always have to add what gear I want to use manually, which I don't mind, but maybe it'd be cool to look up what the stats on just the draknor's armors are so we can plan ahead.

I LOVE the new Unlock system, utterly awesome, but you think there is a way we can get maybe a checklist to check off a whole bunch of skills then push "unlock checked skills" I went down the list and right clicked em, then unlocked but after each one it shot me back to the top of the list, so finnally I created characters of the 6 professions and did it that way, it was so much better

Also on the unlock system, think we'll be seeing a rune and Weapon upgrade tracking system similar in the near future =)

And lastly if you guys ever add a paypal donate feature, I would definetly donate, you guys deserve it for all your hard work. :happy34:

Thir

07-07-2005, 19:18

Can i get the old one from anywere? Some things was easier with the old one so i would like to have them both. If its possible.

Zyo

08-07-2005, 00:39

Can i get the old one from anywhere? Some things was easier with the old one so i would like to have them both. If its possible.

The old one is about to get completely obsolete... tell what you like more in the other one and we will make sure you still have it. There is over 30 skills incorrect in the version 1... and we wont keep both alive for sure.

kalaris: Equipment is our next step, we plan to have
- Full list of Prefix/Suffix/Modifier per weapon and armor.
- Full list of runes with validation (not having 2 of the same time)
Calculate total health, total energy, energy Regen
Armor, physical and magical
And as you said we will probably have "template" like those that can be bought.

The tools is oriented for freaks, not for beginner (there is tons of online resource already for that). We will not spend time on tutorial or Pre-Ascalons quests... therefore only level 20 armor will be send with the tool.

We have also some request from the French and German community for translation, not sure yet what will come first.

Anyway the future will be hot for GWFreaks!

End note: Maligor is preparing some crazy idea for forum and discussion board to talk every week of a "weird template"... with those left behind skills.

OderWat

08-07-2005, 09:11

Hi .. That program is very helpfull!

I would really love if you would add a "total" column for the attributes. Makes it easier to check if the settings are matching the ones ingame (yes I am programmer and can't add two numbers easily in mind).

T W E L V E

08-07-2005, 18:20

majoho

08-07-2005, 18:45

Well you must be ;)

It's a tool, there's no cheating involved (unless you think knowing skill locations is cheating - then most fan sites are cheating as well).

T W E L V E

08-07-2005, 22:23

Well you must be ;)

It's a tool, there's no cheating involved

oh... MY BAD YALL u just saw "unlock-skills" and stuff like that and i thought, "man, i wanna unlock ALL the skills"----->cheating thought came from that

majoho

09-07-2005, 00:23

Yeah you don't actually unlock anything, it helps you keep track of what skills you have unlocked in the game tho.

Zyo

09-07-2005, 00:24

He he in fact GWFreaks tool actually have absolutely not interaction with the game and will never. All information in the tool can be found in bunch of web site like this one.

Morlak

09-07-2005, 05:48

Great job gwfreak team! very handy program.

Only bad thing is render maps takes forever on my crappy computer! Wish it was just a normal jpeg.

:worship:

Zyo

09-07-2005, 13:24

Wish it was just a normal jpeg.

The jpeg is in the folder \map\map.jpg. Don't open it with Image and Fax viewer (default application in Windows XP because it gonna take way more time to open it) take another one or Internet Explorer.

What is the loading slow?

Because the entire map is processed to make it very fast moving between city... other viewer will only re-sized the part you see but will be harder to scroll. It's a technical point, but that's the reason.

While the map is loading you can still do other stuff... perhaps learn a new skills :)

Luckymofo

09-07-2005, 14:55

I kinda have a problem with the windows like character, skills, account, etc.
I cant seem to select one window and make it bigger like in the features link of the gwfreaks page. I cant even scroll down a window, they're kinda stuck.

Zyo

09-07-2005, 14:58

I kinda have a problem with the windows like character, skills, account, etc.
I cant seem to select one window and make it bigger like in the features link of the GWFreaks page. I cant even scroll down a window, they're kinda stuck.

Can you send us a print screen to support (at) gwfreaks.com. We will release 2.0.7 probably Sunday and hopefully fix the bug.

Luckymofo

09-07-2005, 15:24

Can you send us a print screen to support (at) gwfreaks.com. We will release 2.0.7 probably Sunday and hopefully fix the bug.

I reinstalled it just to make sure. I sent you guys an email already w/o screen.
If reinstall doesn't fix, I will send a screen. Um, I couldnt print screen; got no message saying that it did.

OderWat

10-07-2005, 18:08

The Skill "Desecrate Enchantments" is listed with 5 instead of 15 energy consumption.

Zyo

10-07-2005, 18:55

The Skill "Desecrate Enchantments" is listed with 5 instead of 15 energy consumption.
The best way to report mistake like that is to use the Report Bug button in the tool, we can track them easily.

For this one it's OK, reporting it myself for you :)

We plan to release 2.0.7 Monday evening with dozen skill fix and bunch minor improvement.

As for 2.1 (Equipment, Weapon and Armor module) we still hope to get it done by the end of the month.

majoho

14-07-2005, 09:22

Again thanks for this awesome tool :happy34:

Montul Sanusa

17-07-2005, 09:08

just downloaded and installng now, ill edit post to tell if i like it

Nereid

17-07-2005, 22:42

It's a great tool. However it does have some sort of leak. Whenever I switch between two templates on the team->character window, it eventually messes up one of them & i end up with something like 291/200 skills on one. Then I have to re-load it & take care not to switch between the two again.

I can upload the specific templates if you want.

kam

17-07-2005, 23:15

I get the error message 'Error has occur, check on hhtp://GWFreaks.com for lastest version of the tool. Overflow or underflow in arithmetic operation'

(who ever wrote that has terrible spelling :P) you got any ideas of how to solve the problem?

Zyo

18-07-2005, 01:42

Nereid: We are aware of the problem and it will be fixed in 2.0.8 next tuesday.

kam: This seems new to us, at least for me. Can you send me the "trace.log" file please? In PM will be ok. We will fix it if we can reproduce it.

Nereid

18-07-2005, 01:49

Nereid: We are aware of the problem and it will be fixed in 2.0.8 next tuesday.:)

Yeah if you need someone to check your spelling, I'm always here 4 free ^_^

Nereid

18-07-2005, 01:50

By the way fantastic job on the interface. Many of my friends have been commenting on it & saying how good you guys are at designing cool looking stuff

(doesn't really matter, but is there any way to turn off the big blue button? I keep clicking on it & it switches my windows that are already open)

Zyo

20-07-2005, 03:39

As promise, we continue our mission, deliver the best tool to help Guild Wars community! 2.0.8 is a solid build. We dot plan to have other minor update before 2.1 that will include armor and equipment.

Skill search enhanced!
New Features:
- You can now search skills by Place/Region or by Npc/Boss Name (just type the name) or right-click on location.
- You can filter search for locked/unlock skills only.

Improvements:
- In the information windows, skill description display number that varies in green and bold.
- In the skill tab display min and max (10..56) value if you have 0 point in that attribute.
- Export option: 2nd toolbar optional, skill link optional [some board like gwonline.net don't want]

Fix:
- Attribute point calcul mixing between multiple character.
- In the information windows, add Scroll bar for long description.
- Activate the windows in the Windows bar, in some case the application was not showing.
- Place/Region update: Tangle Root, Granite Citadel, Marhan's Grotto
- Over 40 Skill updated.

Akin Machaon

21-07-2005, 18:51

BlueBudgerigar

21-07-2005, 20:18

after all the horror stories you hear about keyloggers being put into programs such as thing, i guess i just need a little reassurance that this program does not contain any... anyone know for sure that it doesnt (aside from the creator obviously)?Checked their website...this looks like a great tool...

"is it safe?"
Lawrence Olivier in "the Marathon Man"

:clap:

Zyo

22-07-2005, 00:26

BlueBudgerigar

22-07-2005, 00:39

will try it!

:winking47

cutypie

22-07-2005, 04:41

About safety
The tool is hosted here at GWOnline.net (check the file section (http://www.gwonline.net/files/))

We even send out the full source code to Tarrand Rahl upon request few weeks ago.

Now you have to ask yourself if you thrust gwonline.net :)

Shouldnt be a big problem to change the source clean and send it to Tarrand.. You still host it Compiled ;) Make it Open Source then its 100% Safe...

Dukan

23-07-2005, 04:23

I'm impressed. Very nice interface. looks like I have a new toy to keep me at my computer even more during the day... and night. ;)

Zyo

31-07-2005, 16:06

Here we go, minor update but few good stuff. We target releasing Equipment and Weapon module in about 2 week (version 2.1).

July 30th 2005 Version 2.0.9
New Features:
- Support multi-display screen.
- Detect proxy and allow running updates behind ISA firewall.
- New option to view skill info on mouse over in skill tab.
- Display attribute description in a tool tip.

Improvements:
- Save windows position and size between session.
- Auto save character when changing playing to another player in account or team.
- Add a link in the report dialog to check for latest version before reporting error.
- Skill listing are sorted by name and exclude the prefix "The".
The Dragon's Lair will be after Dragon's Gullet for example.
- In map tab, elite skill are displayed in yellow.
- NPC added: Gren Wavelslosh, Raja Crux, Wissper Inssani, Tiss Danssir, Ayassah Hess, Irwyn the Sever, Balasi the Arcane, Melek The Virtuous, Mercia The Smug.

Fix:
- Do not export alternative configuration if no skill in it.
- Prevent naming a character with invalid filename such as / : < >.
- Internet blocker (like ZoneAlarm) friendly in case you open a link or check for update.
- Skills update: Drain Enchantment, Blinding Flash, Mantra of Resolve, Hex Breaker, Troll Unguent, Meteor Shower, Obsidian Flesh, Death Nova, Aura of Restoration, Vigorous Spirit, Antidote Signet, Energy Surge, Light of Dwayna

Ratcatcher

31-07-2005, 17:10

Oooooh!

More goodies, thanks a bunch guys.

Dukan

01-08-2005, 00:34

This is a very nice tool. The mouse over for the skills is a welcome addition.

However... I'm getting errors in some skills. I can't go and check them all at different attribute levels, but I have noticed a couple.

With Healing Prayers at 9:
Healing Breeze is showing 6 pips of regen, should be 7.
Live Vicariously is showing 8 health per hit, should be 9.

I sometimes base a build on how high the skill points are, so it's important to have these accurate.

Vigorous Spirit was the same as Live Vicariously, but I see that's been fixed. I did submit a bug report on Healing Breeze. I hope you get all these fixed soon. It's hard to trust the program when I find errors like this. Which is a shame because it has such a wonderful interface. I'll continue to use it but I'll be double-checking my builds in-game.... which I think is counter-productive to what this tool is supposed to provide. :(

Zyo

01-08-2005, 00:43

It's hard to trust the program when I find errors like this.

Number varies only by plus or minus 1 right? Those error are rounding error. There is no magical formula out there to get all those value. Else then doing the 460 skills one by one at every attribute level.

We are adjusting bunch of skill every week and one day we gonna have all of them set and right.

Oh yeah, that day Chapter 2 will be online and we gonna start again :p

Teufel Eldritch

02-08-2005, 05:00

Zyo

02-08-2005, 05:34

Not to sound like a stupid jerk but... I dled the program looked at it a little bit but didn't see any use for it. So I must be misunderstanding the program or something. Explain to me plz what it does, why I should use it & all that. :howdy:

Hehe, it's an help. In the Skill tab you can type almost anything and this will find skill

- You can type the name of the skill
- The name of the npc
- The name of the mob
- The name of the city
- or Elite to find elite skill

There is sorting by various criteria, you can view the value for each level if you change your attribute

There is also a nice map that you can find city easy... just type the name of the city. You can play you tool bar, export it.

Some keep track of their unlock skill also. More feature coming, Character builder is not for everyone I agree, but many do find it useful.

Ratcatcher

02-08-2005, 13:32

Not to sound like a stupid jerk but... I dled the program looked at it a little bit but didnt see any use for it. So I must be misundestanding the program or something. Explain to me plz what it does, why I should use it & all that. :howdy:To add to what Zyo already answered, GWFreaks is a great time saver.

Why?
Plain and simple, you can test any and all your wacky build idears before even having to spend a single refund poins in the game, which in turn helps you not getting stuck with a build that isnt as good as you previously thought and having to "grind" just to be able to revert back to a build you know that works.

I dont know what id do without it thesedays as im swapping skills and attributes around on 4 different chars on average 3 times a day. ;)

Jpeg

19-08-2005, 01:21

after all the horror stories you hear about keyloggers being put into programs such as thing, i guess i just need a little reassurance that this program does not contain any... anyone know for sure that it doesnt (aside from the creator obviously)?

Google is your best friend. I searched the word 'GWfreaks' and 'trojan' all I got is the GWfreaks' FAQ page, and that insures me that it's legit program.

All I need is to do is download .Net Framework... on dial-up... still waiting...

agentblade

23-08-2005, 12:57

just wanna say a big THANK YOU to those who make GW Freaks possible.. It looks real professional and cool.. Very useful so far... :clap: :happy65: :love38:

Leriel Frostbringer

25-08-2005, 11:15

This tool is nice, but what would make it REALLY shine, is database of non-elite skills from bosses.

Usually skills can be obtained from bosses before you even hear of trainer or quest giving them.

And as far as i know, no such database exists. (at least not complete one - one in gwonline still contains early elites, and misses some nonelite skills, and gwguru skill listing with comments used to be nice and uptodate one, but isn't complete not mentioning its recent 'nerf' and it doesn't work now)

Fenric

26-08-2005, 02:48

after all the horror stories you hear about keyloggers being put into programs such as thing, i guess i just need a little reassurance that this program does not contain any... anyone know for sure that it doesnt (aside from the creator obviously)?

As far as I can tell its completely free of such things. They even make it clear not to use passwords or anything in it. And sooo many people use it that tbh if it did have anything untoward inside it, someone would have noticed by now.

I think the original concern about keyloggers in gwfreaks was some issue with another site making it available for download and adding a keylogger to it. If you get it from the original site then you should be fine.

It really is a godsend of a program, keeping track of skills, finding where to get the elites, testing various attribute settings and how they effect your build without wasting refund points. Sure there's room for improvement, but what it does do already it does very well.

Zyo

28-08-2005, 19:06

We've released version 2.0.10 today.

All skill updated to reflect Extreme PvP event.

Grab your copy (http://www.gwfreaks.com/download/character_builder.zip) or update it via the tool.

Ghengis Kharn

30-08-2005, 08:55

This program = godly!

I've had gwfreaks for only a little while... but man it's so useful and really does everything I want when making builds + character adjustments (and also really helps on my character planning and what not)

Two thumbs up mate. Beeyootiful! :happy65: :worship:

Shiggidyshwa

31-08-2005, 00:49

Best. Util. Ever.

calderstrake

31-08-2005, 06:54

Zyo

31-08-2005, 12:21

The non-elite skill capturable from boss will be included as we receive them. We already have a few of them but eventually they will be all inside GWFreaks.

calderstrake

01-09-2005, 01:45

We've released version 2.0.10 today.

All skill updated to reflect Extreme PvP event.

Grab your copy (http://www.gwfreaks.com/download/character_builder.zip) or update it via the tool.
This is the ABSOLUTE BEST utility I have ever used in MY ENTIRE LIFE that was free. As soon as you set up a donation link, I will be more than happy to donate some $$ to your project. Your website is clean and professional and the application is real gem. You should be very proud of your work. :happy34:

Zyo

01-09-2005, 02:00

The best thing you can do so far is help us being accepted.

That may sound ridiculus but on most web site (I wont name them but scan the entire official and elite web site (http://www.guildwars.com/community/default.html)) most English fan site (expect gwonline.net of course) have not backup us at all. I've even got many of my own post deleted or strongly dysarranged by administrator.

Having thousands of player using our tool is currently our gifs, we are very happy with the success we have soo far but pretty frustrating to still be rejected by some idiot guys that didn't take 2 minutes to try to validate if the tool could be legit.

So in conclusion, we do not have any money involved, but you can spread the word to make your contribution to the great project.

As a side note:

Translation Version 2.2 will be multilingual. We have so far:

English (everything)
French (skill and interface)
Italian (skill and interface)
German (skill and interface)
Hungarian (only interface)
Polish (skill and interface)

I'm looking for a Spanish and Korean translator if any of you can do it :) All translator credit will be granted to the person or clan.

Translator should be also able to communicate in English to help us, even if I could probably handle a Spanish conversation.

arredondo

01-09-2005, 02:27

I have but one request... any chance that you can include L18 stats for the Blood/Curse line for Necros (as well as Elementalist's skills)? They have skills that pump up these stats past L16, and if you could even just allow it only in the little stat window at the lower right as you push up the numbers, it'd be appreciated. Actually, have it go to L19 because of the 20% chance of +1 attribute on certain weapon accessories. This means all classes should be able to see at least L17.

Great product BTW. I really enjoy using it.

Zyo

13-09-2005, 03:56

At first we haven't took the good decision to stop the line at 16 (12 + 3 runes + 1 helm). But when we will review that we will make sure that skill value per attribute level goes up to 20. Before we do it, you can "predict" the next value, those are linear, its is just rounding/capping number.

For those really freaks :lol:, that would like to give us comment and feedback, we have a not-completed beta version of 2.1 [Full equipment, rune, weapon and upgrade support]. PM me, I will send you link to download and try it.

I have but one request... any chance that you can include L18 stats for the Blood/Curse line for Necros (as well as Elementalist's skills)? They have skills that pump up these stats past L16, and if you could even just allow it only in the little stat window at the lower right as you push up the numbers, it'd be appreciated. Actually, have it go to L19 because of the 20% chance of +1 attribute on certain weapon accessories. This means all classes should be able to see at least L17.

Great product BTW. I really enjoy using it.

Cerinious

19-09-2005, 18:24

My question is. How does this program help me in the game.
It looks interestng, but I am not sure realy what the purpose is other then a journal of some time. Can anyone please enlighten me?
Thanks,
Joey

Leriel Frostbringer

19-09-2005, 18:40

Before Sorrow's Furnace update, no compact list of unlocked skills was available in-game. Only relatively sensible way to do that was to go to the pvp character creation screen, and switching its proffessions, check which skills on Your account are unlocked, and which are not.

With the update, Multiple priests spreaded among cities or towns of tyria were replaced with two priests, offering exactly same lists of unlocked content. Each of them offers full information on runes/skills/upgrades unlocked on Your account.

It would seem, that now, the tool does not make much point as for keeping track of unlocked skills, but to me, switching to it is much faster, than going to Competition Arena or Team Arena (Tombs as well? not sure) and scrolling down through a small window to check whether skill x is unlocked or not.

Plus, this tool makes great skill and character calculator, interactive map and database of elite locations.
It also has teambuilder, but I never really used it.

P E P P E R M I N T

21-09-2005, 07:26

question what proof is there that this isnt a scam?

arredondo

21-09-2005, 07:35

Maybe the fact that the mods left this thread up after three months with no complaints? And they have a link to the dload in their file section?

Fenric

22-09-2005, 04:32

wow.. I've been happily using this tool for some time and had no idea so many think its either useless or some scam or something.

Mini review
-----------

Completely problem free and fast installation. Tell it where to go and thats it, runs first time. When first run it gives a short intro to setting things up, but if I remember correctly points out NOT to use your GW account or password. If it was some scam then surely they'd go to the trouble of giving some believable reason to get such details. After that it runs just fine in the background. I've been using it for quite some time and never had a problem with it.

As for updating. Well I wish more programs would make use of an update system like this. You can decide how often to check for updates, which yeah a lot of programs have. If one is found it first gets the readme for the update, displayed within the program to show whats been changed. Ok that and a little window with the gwfreaks logo appears and quickly fills up as it updates. Thats all there is to it. No unzipping and reinstalling required. It's idiot proof.

The Actual program, contrary to popular belief is very useful, to i would think a good deal of GW players out there. The basic premise is this. You can create a character within the program, name it, set its professions and skill settings and then choose from the full list of skills which to use and keep a copy of your settings for whatever reason.

But thats just the simplist explaination. It's actually a lot more than that, and I'm wondering if this is where people who don't understand its usefulness are going wrong.

Skills.. It contains every skill, with its icon and description. When first run every skill is locked. Now from here you can unlock all skills, or individually. Personally I prefer the individual approach, unlocking only the skills I have for each profession. Now the program begins to show how useful it is. You can display either unlocked and locked skills, or just one or the other. Giving you an instant display of which skills you have and which you still need, also there's a keyword search, for quickly finding a particular skill, or narrowing down the list to just a specific type eg: elites. You can order the displayed skill list by name, attribute, cost, etc.. Buuuut thats not all. To the right is a small window that shows you WHERE to get the skill. Ok granted this was far more useful before the new skill trainer appeared at the camp on the fire island chain. But for players who haven't reached there yet its still very useful, Telling you where you find each and every skill, the name of the skill trainer, or the mob boss if its an elite. Also tells you the priest and his location (though I guess thats redundant now)

Also in the same skills section, are special type's of skill lists, unlike the sorting, these simply turn on or off skills by attribute. eg: just displaying healing skills or wilderness skills. For both of your professions or just displaying one sort.

Each location given also has an icon next to it, a small section of map or a shield. The shield denotes the skill is to be found within a mission area. The map shows its located in some explorable region. Click the map icon and your moved to another part of the program. A fully explored and labeled map of the entire GW world. Zoomed in on the area you need PLUS arrows showing the general location the boss can be found.

Ok so you can look through websites and search on google to find out. But as far as I am concerned. switching to my character's skill tab, typing elite then clicking on a particular elite and seeing instantly where its located is far quicker and simpler, and more informative. You can also perform other searches by right clicking on an area to find what other skills available to you are located there. Handy when often an area can contain two bosses of the same profession (Snakedance for example) combined with locking and unlocking skills, you can see at a glance exactly what your looking for without the need to scroll through many skills you know you already have.

But the part I like the most in this program is the way it handles your attributes. Firstly it gives in your character creation tab the option to change your primary and secondary profession on the fly. Which switches the skills you can choose from, keeping things nice and tidy. Below that it gives an area for adding your attributes into each area of expertise, including runes you may have, aswell as two checkboxes for the two attribute quests. At all times a counter below that shows how many attribute points you have available, and how many you have left to spend. Before the refund point system was done away with. This was by far the most useful tool available. You could screw around with your attribute distribution without fear of being stuck with a bad build.

However its not suddenly become useless now we don't have refund points to worry about. You see ALL changes you make to your attributes. Are displayed instantly in your skills. Giving you realtime feedback to how changing your attributes will effect a particular skill. Letting you fine tune a build and make the most of every point.

The above change remains while you cycle through your skills, but also when clicking a skill in its list, you get the option to temporarily change the points used for that skills attribute. Quickly checking if lowering it or upping it will make a big enough difference or not, without playing around with your current point system.

There's also two skill bars available per character for drag and drop of skills just as you would in game. So you can keep safe your regular builds skill selection and a specialised version. By using copies of your character in the program you can effectively setup all kinds of builds for quick reference without having to remember them or write them down on pieces of paper.

This is just a small part of it, there's other types of character creation within it, something called Team creation which I imagine would be handy for PvP players who want to organise a specific team build and fine tune it to perfection offline without having to deal with trying to organise things in game or directly on a forum.

However.. its not perfect. There are area's it could be improved on. It would be nice if for example the ranger's expertise attribute would show directly the change in energy cost when changed. So far I'm not aware of anything that displays just how much energy is saved by upping that attribute. Other than graphs on a few sites. Seeing it in the program as a number would be very useful for quickly seeing the real difference it makes. I imagine the same would apply for other primary profession only attributes.

Also the saving of characters is a little flakey, and can sometimes overwrite a character when you didn't expect it to. Sometimes it'll ask if you want to save the changes or not. Sometimes it does as you ask other times it just saves it anyway. Would be nice if there were some option for picking a default character.

The map, while incredibly useful I think now needs updating. And some of the boss locations need to be rechecked a few times to make it a little more accurate. Including updating information on the new SF/GF bosses and the skills they carry. As I think certain bosses have been removed from other area's and their elites placed in the new area's.

I'd also like to see an option for finding out which regular skills a boss carries. As I don't think there's any real solid information on this yet, and some people enjoy taking capture signets to capture regular skills from bosses rather than simply buying them outright.

And of course it would be great if there was some kind of UW/FoW/SF map system, along with full details on every quest, its location, rewards (for each profession) and other useful information. Perhaps in the same way as skills with the unlock/lock method. So you could keep track of what quests, missions and bonuses you still have left to do.

Would also be nice if there was an attempt to add a complete list of every possible weapon or item type that exists. Perhaps including some method of showing how upgrading a weapon in some way would effect it.

Perhaps a list of collectors too. Maybe in conjunction with that Columbus collectors project thats incredibly handy? I could see that guys work REALLY benefitting from being intergrated with gwfreaks.

So yes, while there is room for improvement. The program as it stands is very useful already. I've happily recommended it to those I team up with and they all seem quite pleased with it. And for myself, as I gradually get every skill possible. It's a godsend, 340+ skills.. I'd go crazy if I couldn't keep a quickly accessable list handy. Especially for those elites.

And no. I'm not affiliated in any way with the guys who made the program. In all honesty I don't know anything about them (I just liked the sound of it and downloaded it from their site lol)