i've been told numerous times how gorgeous world of warcraft really is, and yet i feel like it is running on the same graphics engine as warcraft 3.  the geometry is ridiculously simple, the texture work and lighting is also boring, the animations and clipping problems that are over abundant are far from impressive.  if not for the fantastic art design of the game it would have look out right horrible.  i find guild wars to be a much more beautiful game, especially considering it's many technical acheivements.  on that note, i don't doubt that it is a good game, i just don't believe in pay as you play, or in micro transactions or in playing agianst other players who bought leveled characters on ebay before it banned those kind of auctions.  though the mmo experience is potentially good-great the actions of a few can all to easily bring down that magnificent experience.  that is why the more tightly nit exclusive worlds of guild wars, and traditional online shooters appeal to me far more, because it is much easier to make the experience for you and your friends then for it to be about dealing with cheaters and fools.