I've been following GW2 since it's annoucenment. I've played the original GW to death, and I recognize it's not going to be the same game, it's really going to be very different, I don't think playing the first one will give you a good idea about GW2.
To answer some questions, based on preliminary information released by ArenaNet (Devs), this is just pre release stuff, so is subject to change:
Tax_Document said:
I also don't like having the zones instanced, hopefully they lessen that or don't include it all.
The only instanced zones in GW2 will be dungeons, and Singe Player content story areas. Cities and most areas will not be instanced. All Dynamic events will happen in instanced areas.
KeyMaster45 said:
The dynamic quest system doesn't sit well with me; I rather prefer at least a semi-defined path as I level. Give me a base line of quests to follow with side quests to pick and choose from.
Complimentary to the dynamic event system is the personal storyline series of quests, which is just you, and mostly in instanced areas. There is also dungeons and whatnot.
KeyMaster45 said:
The lack of pre-defined roles. -snip-
I sometimes feel like it will end up like this, with one class not being assigned as a healer by the devs, but it's better at it then everyone else, so it gets to be the healer to the players. Also: Each class can only wear one type of armor, so take that as you will.
KeyMaster45 said:
You can still swim