As far as the game goes, I can't give it enough praise. It is a one time $60 expenditure, I've played during the 3 beta weekends, I feel like I've barely scratched the surface, AND I feel like I've already gotten my money's worth. Planning on semi-casually leveling, focusing on exploration, jump puzzles, and dungeons with friends. Eventually I'll be goofing around in WvW and PvP. Focus on fun, not on a grind.
http://imgur.com/a/n1JFn
Screenshots from second beta weekend event, must view in full resolution. I got knocked on my ass by that trebuchet when I ran to the edge of that cliff to take screens
I didn't even know they could fire! That one way in the background that is grayed out is still visible and still moves! They do this weird watercolor effect on models extremely far away, it is really pretty, especially in the major cities.