User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 124 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 124
  2. Negative: 30 out of 124
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  1. DennisD
    Feb 15, 2009
    9
    In my opinion, the BEST MMO out there and I've been playing them since Everquest 1 launched. Graphics are awesome, BUT you have to have a machine capable of delivering the highest settings. I run it on my PC at High/High and my laptop at low/low and am still satisfied both ways. Again, if you want the HIGH END graphics you need a HIGH END machine, this game could run on a DirectX 10 In my opinion, the BEST MMO out there and I've been playing them since Everquest 1 launched. Graphics are awesome, BUT you have to have a machine capable of delivering the highest settings. I run it on my PC at High/High and my laptop at low/low and am still satisfied both ways. Again, if you want the HIGH END graphics you need a HIGH END machine, this game could run on a DirectX 10 format and was originally dessigned to, which is where all the initial "bugs" that everyone is speaking of came from, Sony had to fix it all when they took over. The Adventuring content is off the chart for Soloing as well as grouping, the Crafting set up is hands down the best out there(not just a bunch of mindless clicking), and the Diplomacy is intersting by it's own rights. You basically get 3 games for the price of one, as each part has it's level cap at 50. Soon to be 55 (WIth AA"S!!) YAY! I did take a year off and try other MMO's but am happily back on Vanguard for good now. The only reason my rating is not a 10 is because the Server populations aren't what they should be for a game of this caliber. So all of you that left because of the "bugs" I encourage you to give it another try, I'm positive you will be impressed. Expand
  2. CarlC>
    Feb 10, 2007
    9
    Great game for those who loved and cherished EverQuest. It brings back the old feeling. Dont compare this game to WoW because they are very different. The reason why many WoW players wont like this is because of the fact that the original people who made EverQuest made this game. If you play WoW you WILL NOT LIKE THIS. However, oldschool MMO and MUD players will love it.
  3. KodiakA.
    Jan 28, 2007
    9
    I have played the game in beta, and i personally love the setup of the game, it seems to be a greatly compiled conjunction of games such as EQ2, Eq1, WoW, Ultima Online, and SWG. The Free open world is personnaly what i love most about the game, theres no loading screen to go to new zones. This game was a bit over hyped but is still worth buying the collectors edition.
  4. CM
    Jan 30, 2007
    10
    I didn't play in beta so I'm basing my evalutation on just the 3 past days of playing the early-access. Amazing!! Having played MMORPGS from EQ to CoH to WoW, this one is the best yet!

    It's got a few early-release bugs but the scope and depth of the gameworld is mind-boggling. Combat can get quite involved, so your strategy actually matters. Crafting and harvesting is
    I didn't play in beta so I'm basing my evalutation on just the 3 past days of playing the early-access. Amazing!! Having played MMORPGS from EQ to CoH to WoW, this one is the best yet!

    It's got a few early-release bugs but the scope and depth of the gameworld is mind-boggling. Combat can get quite involved, so your strategy actually matters. Crafting and harvesting is actually fun, instead of a chore. I haven't checked out the diplomacy yet because there's just SO much to do... Great stuff, at least so far!
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  5. DfsadfAsfd
    Feb 8, 2007
    10
    WoW players STAY OUT. Except those wishing to step-up their experience a little. This one is for the true MMO lovers who understand what a great mmorpg is. It retreives many great features of other MMO's and puts them all into a unique masterpiece. The soundtrack is mindblowingly perfect. Graphics (on a nice system) are revolutionary, questing is fun and involving, Dungeons are WoW players STAY OUT. Except those wishing to step-up their experience a little. This one is for the true MMO lovers who understand what a great mmorpg is. It retreives many great features of other MMO's and puts them all into a unique masterpiece. The soundtrack is mindblowingly perfect. Graphics (on a nice system) are revolutionary, questing is fun and involving, Dungeons are gorgous and seemingly endless. Long live the corpse run. This game isn't for ameteurs! Perfect 10. Expand
  6. AnonymousMC
    Mar 1, 2007
    10
    So, the game has been out for about a month. Patches have fixed alot of bugs... but there are still quite a few. It is twice as playable then it was at launch, and will be twice as playable again a month from now.

    This game does require time... but you need it to experience the enormous amount of content. If you expect a Mmo to offer more then 100hrs of gameplay... look no farther.
    So, the game has been out for about a month. Patches have fixed alot of bugs... but there are still quite a few. It is twice as playable then it was at launch, and will be twice as playable again a month from now.

    This game does require time... but you need it to experience the enormous amount of content. If you expect a Mmo to offer more then 100hrs of gameplay... look no farther.
    If you have any character in Wow above level 40... this game will blow your mind.

    At level 20, I have already visited over 6 dungeons and explored 25sqkm of the world... This is the Mmo for anyone who just isn't satisfied [or is no longer satisfied] by simple gameplay.
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  7. ChrisT.
    Jun 9, 2007
    9
    Finally a game with inspiring graphics, full-filling crafting, innovative game-play, challenging monsters, unique classes and races, huge world, flying mounts, housing, ships, lore, an economy, etc, etc. This game has everything a true MMO gamer needs for their fix. Look beyond all the skepticism and dig deep into a real MMO.
  8. BridgetFreemont
    Jun 30, 2008
    10
    I am a long time MMO player and comparing against the current MMO's out there.. well there really is no comparison. Vanguard has been out well over a year now and as a near daily player.. I still have not explored or seen all its content. It is that big. The sheer massiveness of territory to cover, quests to do, projects to complete (housing) would keep any type gamer busy for aI am a long time MMO player and comparing against the current MMO's out there.. well there really is no comparison. Vanguard has been out well over a year now and as a near daily player.. I still have not explored or seen all its content. It is that big. The sheer massiveness of territory to cover, quests to do, projects to complete (housing) would keep any type gamer busy for a very long time. The real value in this game is the zone free emmersive world as well as spectacular views. Expand
  9. NickS
    Jan 30, 2009
    9
    This is a very rich MMO and getting better by the day with strong free content updates. One of the greatest strengths is rewarding class designs, with healers in Vanguard better than any MMO on the market. A beautiful, seemless world without instances, this game has the best graphics of any MMO. Most gaming rigs can run this on balanced to high settings to get the most out of the This is a very rich MMO and getting better by the day with strong free content updates. One of the greatest strengths is rewarding class designs, with healers in Vanguard better than any MMO on the market. A beautiful, seemless world without instances, this game has the best graphics of any MMO. Most gaming rigs can run this on balanced to high settings to get the most out of the exceptional graphics. The premiere raiding dungeon of APW is challenging with definite difficulty tiers making raiding very worthwhile. Expand
  10. TJB.
    Aug 19, 2006
    10
    In beta with all the Beta bugs and it's still the Best MMO I've ever Played and I've played just about all of them except extreme foreign ones.
  11. PeterS.
    Dec 10, 2007
    9
    This game is an object lesson in wasted potential. It could have been The MMO, but was released unfinished. IMO, even after a ton of fixes, it still is lacking, and there are too few players due to its early failure. Still, it is fun, and a real old-school MMO bristling with good ideas and interesting design decisions. Worth giving a seccond shot if you still haven't sold your copy on E-bay.
  12. Jerome
    Feb 10, 2007
    10
    This is the best MMORPG I have ever played. It is a shame it was released with some bugs, but with the latest patches that is done. Vanguard is immersive, giant, and beautiful. Vanguard takes a "virtual world" approach that I think games like EQ2 and WoW lack. Interaction is the key in this game. Everything in it requires action on the player's part. This makes things like fishing, This is the best MMORPG I have ever played. It is a shame it was released with some bugs, but with the latest patches that is done. Vanguard is immersive, giant, and beautiful. Vanguard takes a "virtual world" approach that I think games like EQ2 and WoW lack. Interaction is the key in this game. Everything in it requires action on the player's part. This makes things like fishing, crafting and even chatting with NPCs fun unlike the current most popular game. Expand
  13. Pakesso
    Feb 13, 2007
    9
    Well, as a player who played FFXI for a year, i have to say that this game is incredible. I spent 600$ on a new video card and ram just to play it! And yet, it was worth it. My friend and I bought the game and have been playing together up to lvl 12 as Rogues. Every corner I turn in this game amazes me. The bugs are forgiveable. The worst thing we're dealing with right now is PvP Well, as a player who played FFXI for a year, i have to say that this game is incredible. I spent 600$ on a new video card and ram just to play it! And yet, it was worth it. My friend and I bought the game and have been playing together up to lvl 12 as Rogues. Every corner I turn in this game amazes me. The bugs are forgiveable. The worst thing we're dealing with right now is PvP deaths. We're on the PvP FFA server, and it's fun, but getting killed for no reason takes the breath out of certain goals like questing and such, but i will admit that it adds a whole new level of gameplay. The fact that you can ride your horse at lvl 10 is awesome. I look forward to a Griffin to fly around in, or a ship to sail the open seas. I've never played a game that felt so incredible wide open. The fighting system works for me. Not just turn based but a little more interactive. The mobs are awesome and plentiful. I love thefact that you can get XP on a quest and more for finishing a quest. Sharing quests is great too. Anyway, the only reason i haven't given this game a 10 is that I have yet to see enough of the game to have any idea of it's scale. I do agree with some of the people here that you really need a good PC to run this game. It looks decent on the PC i have, but i'm spending the money to see this game the way it's supposed to be played. Talk about being sucked in. Anyway, if you get on the Tharidon (I believe) server, look for Pakesso. I may be a rogue, but I'm no murderer. Expand
  14. NathanG.
    Feb 4, 2007
    10
    Very impressive game, definitely worth a look if you enjoy MMO's at all. Sure, there are a lot of things missing, but even in it's current state it is much more exciting than any other MMO out right now and I don't see any MMO coming out any time that attempts to address as many issues as this game already does. Impressive visuals all the way down to depth and variety. If Very impressive game, definitely worth a look if you enjoy MMO's at all. Sure, there are a lot of things missing, but even in it's current state it is much more exciting than any other MMO out right now and I don't see any MMO coming out any time that attempts to address as many issues as this game already does. Impressive visuals all the way down to depth and variety. If you are not already playing, you are missing out. Expand
  15. Gary
    Feb 4, 2007
    9
    Great game but still needs a little work. Apparently SOE rushed Sigil to release and a few bugs still need to be ironed out but it's a fantastic game. I've played a variety of MMORPGs since EQ1 and feels it does bring on the genre slightly but it's not ground breaking. However when matched with a decent system (Core 2 Duo and Geforce 7900 +, 2GB RAm) it soars. The music is Great game but still needs a little work. Apparently SOE rushed Sigil to release and a few bugs still need to be ironed out but it's a fantastic game. I've played a variety of MMORPGs since EQ1 and feels it does bring on the genre slightly but it's not ground breaking. However when matched with a decent system (Core 2 Duo and Geforce 7900 +, 2GB RAm) it soars. The music is the best ive ever heard in an RPG. Three different spheres to explore: Adventuring, Crafting and Diplomacy. It feels like a truly epic game. If you like you MMORPGs with a bit of a challenge then you'll enjoy this. Expand
  16. MackG.
    Mar 12, 2007
    8
    The game runs fine on my year old computer 3800 dual core... The death penalty is only steep to amateur mmo players. Every mmo has these glitches early in their development, they are unfinished products at release. All that being said the game is challenging and takes a heavy investment, which is why it is great for serious mmo players. You will not get max level in a couple of weeks like The game runs fine on my year old computer 3800 dual core... The death penalty is only steep to amateur mmo players. Every mmo has these glitches early in their development, they are unfinished products at release. All that being said the game is challenging and takes a heavy investment, which is why it is great for serious mmo players. You will not get max level in a couple of weeks like WoW or EQ2 and intelligent players will realize this is for the best. Expand
  17. MichaelR.
    Mar 15, 2007
    8
    I am very impressed. The game runs extremely well on my high-range pc, and the graphics are incredible. I am more interested in gameplay, however. This game does not disappoint in that department. It is very involving, and alot of fun. The community is great, as well, and there seems to be a fair amount of players everywhere. I especially like the MASSIVE continents.
  18. SteveA.
    Jun 20, 2007
    9
    A mature and sophisticated game - highly recommended. Disregard the "I played this game in beta" posts and their scores. Beta ended long ago and, as of June 2007, the game is settling in to be a real winner. The adventure side is good, the crafting is good, and the diplomacy is a great new area of MMOs. Sony's commitment has already brought some stability and quality to the A mature and sophisticated game - highly recommended. Disregard the "I played this game in beta" posts and their scores. Beta ended long ago and, as of June 2007, the game is settling in to be a real winner. The adventure side is good, the crafting is good, and the diplomacy is a great new area of MMOs. Sony's commitment has already brought some stability and quality to the development team and that's showing with every update. Try it, stick with it, you won't be dissappointed. Expand
  19. SteveB
    Jan 19, 2009
    8
    Those who are going on about the "Horrible" graphics. I think you may be smoking some heavy stuff. The graphics arent that bad. To rate this game a 0 just because of your issues regarding graphics is a joke. Overall the graphics are average the game itself in quite in depth, i found the crafting most satisfying compared to the many shite crafting systems out there in MMO's. The game Those who are going on about the "Horrible" graphics. I think you may be smoking some heavy stuff. The graphics arent that bad. To rate this game a 0 just because of your issues regarding graphics is a joke. Overall the graphics are average the game itself in quite in depth, i found the crafting most satisfying compared to the many shite crafting systems out there in MMO's. The game originally started with a bucket load of problems which lead to allot of people leaving. I have returned to Vanguard after 2 years since then ive played WOW, AOC, WAR. But i after playing these other games extensively ive decided IMO that Vanguard beats them hands down. (Apart from WAR's PvP ive yet to find something to beat that). The reason i give an 8 instead of a 10 is due to the many problems Vangard had to start with and still need to fix, which leads me to my next negative. Which is there isnt to many players on at the moment, good thing is populations seem to be on the rise. Expand
  20. BigT.
    Sep 6, 2009
    10
    I've played and Beta tested a lot of games over the past 13 years starting with the graphical MUDs up through Ultima Online and beyond. No other game has captivated my interest like Vanguard Saga of Heros. It's been over two years of game play in Vanguard and I've yet to see and do everything the game has to offer. Most of the major bugs, glitches, etc are gone. Majority of I've played and Beta tested a lot of games over the past 13 years starting with the graphical MUDs up through Ultima Online and beyond. No other game has captivated my interest like Vanguard Saga of Heros. It's been over two years of game play in Vanguard and I've yet to see and do everything the game has to offer. Most of the major bugs, glitches, etc are gone. Majority of lag issues can be solved by user side adjustments to game settings, in game weather settings, far plane clipping, etc. If you are looking for a game that can still captivate you after 2 years of playing, Vanguard is the game you want to play. Expand
  21. Alex
    Jan 24, 2010
    9
    I tried this game at launch, it was real crap. then 2 years later the trial Isle of Dawn came out...WOW! A totaly new game beside the graphic and the ultimate goal of the game i mean adventuring, diplomacy and crafting evrything was change. I enjoy alot this game remember me the original EverQuest with an actual taste!
  22. BSM
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    I've been beta testing Vanguard since Beta 3, let me tell you. This game has come a long long way! Sigil goes down in history as the most dedicated team ever for a MMO. the amount of patches, daily, this game is going to succeed. This game may not be your definition as a next gen mmo, but it definitally is a 3rd gen mmo. The gameplay is rounding out. The ability to have a house, or I've been beta testing Vanguard since Beta 3, let me tell you. This game has come a long long way! Sigil goes down in history as the most dedicated team ever for a MMO. the amount of patches, daily, this game is going to succeed. This game may not be your definition as a next gen mmo, but it definitally is a 3rd gen mmo. The gameplay is rounding out. The ability to have a house, or build a ship, or even fly on a mount, give you a sense of freedom. This is a game to just log into and live in the world. Don't feel like doing quests? Then just watch the sunset or travel the sea looking for treasure. If you don't like how VG ended with beta, give it a few month before they stomp all the bugs, this game will be polished. I highly recommend that you check this game out. As a ex-UOer I enjoy vanguard. Expand
  23. EstherT.
    Jan 29, 2007
    10
    This game is huge and has so much depth. The best MMO in years.
  24. MichaelM.
    Jan 31, 2007
    9
    While some facets (game engine, several gameplay systems, customization options, tails) are unfinished upon release, the game does stand on its own as a innovator and return to immersive world RPGs.
  25. AndrewD.
    Feb 12, 2007
    8
    While the release was a tad rocky, Sigil has shown dedication by pushing out a patch with bugfixes and class balances nearly every night. The game is a hardcore MMO, and should not be played by the casual player. The world is beautiful and expansive, allowing you to explore for hours without repeating any content.
  26. JasonS.
    Feb 28, 2007
    8
    While it was pushed out the door a bit too soon, there are some innovative play concepts and ideas. The game world is stunning. There are regular patches to help get things up to speed. Server stability that far surpasses anything I've seen in a game launch. This game is not as easy as WoW (something that eventually bored me with WoW. At the same time I think it's easier and While it was pushed out the door a bit too soon, there are some innovative play concepts and ideas. The game world is stunning. There are regular patches to help get things up to speed. Server stability that far surpasses anything I've seen in a game launch. This game is not as easy as WoW (something that eventually bored me with WoW. At the same time I think it's easier and more interesting to progress in than original EQ. The best MMO I've played (of EQ, EQ2, CoH, DAoC and WoW). There is a lot of room for improvement, which they seem committed to making. If it's not for you now, do yourself a favor and see where things are in 3-6 months. Expand
  27. JJA.
    Feb 6, 2007
    9
    Definitely a game for people who don't want everything spoon fed to them, and who have been awaiting a challenge in the MMO area. The graphics are much different than the cartoonish WoW and the ability to actually create a character that doesn't look like everyone else is welcome. Some people will be unwilling to spend the time it takes to actually accomplish goals in this game Definitely a game for people who don't want everything spoon fed to them, and who have been awaiting a challenge in the MMO area. The graphics are much different than the cartoonish WoW and the ability to actually create a character that doesn't look like everyone else is welcome. Some people will be unwilling to spend the time it takes to actually accomplish goals in this game and that's okay; there are other games on the market for them. But for the people looking for the expansive, in-depth MMO where you don't have to turn off the general channels for the immature fighting, then this may be the game for you. Expand
  28. EircB.
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    This is a fun game, it takes crafting to a whole new level. I like the combat and the graphics are a whopper for an MMO. The monsters are pretty creative and gameplay is overall smooth. The only thing bad is the random lag spikes.
  29. LorenS.
    Apr 4, 2007
    9
    Vanguard has more depth than WoW. The quests are engrossing and offer good rewards. Item drops are timed appropriately and useful. 3 continents to explore with lots of content. Diplomacy provides the power to affect all users in the game that come into specific towns. Money is earned with moderate effort and gold farmers accounts are canceled by an effective reporting system. Give Vanguard has more depth than WoW. The quests are engrossing and offer good rewards. Item drops are timed appropriately and useful. 3 continents to explore with lots of content. Diplomacy provides the power to affect all users in the game that come into specific towns. Money is earned with moderate effort and gold farmers accounts are canceled by an effective reporting system. Give Vanguard six more months and it will be well polished and accessible to lower end machines. Vanguard even one-ups Everquest and wow in my book! Expand
  30. AnthonyB.
    Mar 5, 2008
    9
    Come on some of you guys the games not that bad i have 3 g's of RAM in my computer and i run on high speed cable and my game is smooth i honestly can ever remember it lagging or not being able to see my character and steve h im sorry but the graphics are great you probobly just have a horrible cheap graphic card. With my 400 doller graphic card it equals that of the elder scrolls 4 Come on some of you guys the games not that bad i have 3 g's of RAM in my computer and i run on high speed cable and my game is smooth i honestly can ever remember it lagging or not being able to see my character and steve h im sorry but the graphics are great you probobly just have a horrible cheap graphic card. With my 400 doller graphic card it equals that of the elder scrolls 4 oblivion if not slightly better I wiil add though I doubt this game will be my favorite for long with Age of Conan coming soon thats gonna be the best mmo to date! Expand
  31. NB
    Oct 11, 2009
    9
    Vanguard is vastly improved and the population is steadily increasing (although I wish it would increase faster). It's stable and runs very well now, and it holds more content than most mmos, even without an expansion and after all this time. Very deep, three spheres of gameplay (deep, involved, and complex crafting, diplomacy, and of course adventuring), massive and seamless world Vanguard is vastly improved and the population is steadily increasing (although I wish it would increase faster). It's stable and runs very well now, and it holds more content than most mmos, even without an expansion and after all this time. Very deep, three spheres of gameplay (deep, involved, and complex crafting, diplomacy, and of course adventuring), massive and seamless world with three landmasses, player-owned ships and fully-controllable flying mounts, lots of dungeons and exploring, beautiful vistas, quests galore, mentoring...this game is still one of the definitive PvE mmo experiences to this day. If your only reason for not playing the game is population concerns, note that there is still an active community. Population is increasing, and it is possible to have a social experience in the game. That said, population will never quickly improve if people, who otherwise love the game but are concerned with population, don't stick with it. Be a part of the solution, not the problem. Game's free to try now; you can dl the 2-week trial (which introduces players to the Isle of Dawn) and see if you might like it. The area's only 1 chunk in size, but it gives a pretty good taste of what to expect on the mainlands. If you decide you like it, you just pay the subscription cost ($15); don't have to buy the game. I've been having a blast with it; I wish this game would get more coverage, though. It's a very unique game, even today. Expand
  32. ZHEStorm
    Jan 18, 2009
    10
    Best MMORP on the market. Major improvements since the initial flawed and buggy launch. Since GU6, most bugs have been squashed and this game is as polished as other MMO's out there. Only thing though, this game goes above and beyond what any other is currently doing. This game has everything and by everything, I mean everything! This is hands down, the best game on the market andBest MMORP on the market. Major improvements since the initial flawed and buggy launch. Since GU6, most bugs have been squashed and this game is as polished as other MMO's out there. Only thing though, this game goes above and beyond what any other is currently doing. This game has everything and by everything, I mean everything! This is hands down, the best game on the market and well worth the money to play! Expand
  33. NickS.
    Jan 25, 2009
    9
    Better than anything else that's out right now. The crafting system is very in depth. Diplomacy is basically a card game grind that is pointless unless you get it to level 50. It can be tough to find a group for something you want to do at times but when you do it's amazing. The community is the best out of any MMO out there.
  34. IskeE.
    Jan 27, 2009
    9
    A lot of folks that moan about the games graphics are the ones that are running it on Laptops or machines with small CPU's & GPU's. This game needs some meat, run it on a Core 2 Quad with an Nvidia GTX 280 and you can set Video to max and wow!!! This is stunning!! You can Raid and still get 35+ fps. I've played the game from start and the folks at SOE have done a great job A lot of folks that moan about the games graphics are the ones that are running it on Laptops or machines with small CPU's & GPU's. This game needs some meat, run it on a Core 2 Quad with an Nvidia GTX 280 and you can set Video to max and wow!!! This is stunning!! You can Raid and still get 35+ fps. I've played the game from start and the folks at SOE have done a great job in moving this game forward and adding content all the time.The world and the Graphics are alive with detail and not like blocks like some I can think of. The spell effects are fantastic and make the mage type look awe inspiring! I must have built numbers of characters some l've levelled all the way to 50 and some I've level to 20+ just to see how good they are. There are also some very interesting types of characters that you don't see else where, like the Disciple Healer. Very smart class and very different for a healer. It's not quick to level but I don't think that's a bad thing. It makes you work for your levels and helps you learn the lore of the world you live in. One of the best MMO's out there even if it's a little hardcore and new some serious hardware to run on. Expand
  35. JavonR
    Feb 20, 2009
    10
    Vanguard had a really rocky launch which gave it a bad reputation. Since then the game as improved IMMENSELY, one of the most addictive and fun mmorpg games I've played recently. I would definitely recommend you give this a shot.. you can also trial it for 14 days.
  36. Jeff
    Mar 23, 2009
    9
    Most people who don't like this game haven't given it a good chance. It is highly immersive, spectacular graphics, and the majority of the bugs I've seen disappear in the last few months. The player base is extremely helpful to get you through the learning curve. Yes, you need some descent hardware to fully enjoy this game but once you're hooked you won't regret it.
  37. MatthewH
    Jul 14, 2009
    9
    For those that are looking for a more story based MMO, Vanguard may be the perfect game for you. The amount of detail Sigil put in battles and Crafting is immense. They have also given players a third way to interact with the world called diplomacy, which allows players to learn the history and lore of the world.
  38. JensS
    Jul 31, 2009
    9
    I have started playing a month ago and having a blast. I am gaming since EQ and played most of the great titles since then. Few have had me as enthralled as Vanguard. 1) Lots of Race / Class Combinations 2) Low level crafted / looted items already look gorgeous 3) Diplomacy is a cool new Concept 4) Crafting actually takes some thought, looks and bonus on items vary depending on which I have started playing a month ago and having a blast. I am gaming since EQ and played most of the great titles since then. Few have had me as enthralled as Vanguard. 1) Lots of Race / Class Combinations 2) Low level crafted / looted items already look gorgeous 3) Diplomacy is a cool new Concept 4) Crafting actually takes some thought, looks and bonus on items vary depending on which continent you got the recipe. 5) A lot of both solo and grou content 6) Awesome Community All in all, if you are looking for a PVE game that leaves the "take you by the hand" path and enjoy discovering vast continents, this is your game. Expand
  39. benlu
    Jan 21, 2010
    10
    Originally picked this title up on launch, great potential but sadly bugs and poor performance brought my ability to play to an end. However recently I've re-activated my old account and am extremely impressed with improvements. All in all it's certainly worth a look and has a lot to offer if your looking for a game with a bit more depth and variety.
  40. JRMetocha
    Jan 24, 2007
    9
    Played beta, waiting for release. Graphics upgrade required to process high end capabilities, but the lower settings are still impressive. Waiting to see some of the kinks. I have enjoyed it thus far. It seems to be a good solid mix of EQ and WoW, and if they can continue to mix it well enough, it will definitely be the next favorite MMO.
  41. RR
    Jan 31, 2007
    8
    ACM, you appear not to realize that each of the three continents has a different flavor, and you appear to have chosen the Asian one. Perhaps you should actually learn something about a game before you review it. This includes playing it AFTER release, not just beta.

    The game is pretty good. It was released in a rather unpolished state, but the problems it still has are the sort that
    ACM, you appear not to realize that each of the three continents has a different flavor, and you appear to have chosen the Asian one. Perhaps you should actually learn something about a game before you review it. This includes playing it AFTER release, not just beta.

    The game is pretty good. It was released in a rather unpolished state, but the problems it still has are the sort that will not be too hard to clean up. There are a lot of class balance issues, so if you're a big baby about that sort of thing, you might want to wait.

    Graphics are quite good, except for spell effects, which are kind of disappointing. Quests are numerous enough to keep you interested. The three spheres of advancement (adventure, craft, diplomacy) are nicely integrated -- I hope they continue to flesh these out.
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  42. Intrus
    Feb 15, 2007
    10
    Let me see... this is not a WoW killer. This game is made for the hardcore MMO player in mind, and even though it has had a rocky start you should have been there for BETA... One thing to remember about this game is that Sigil was pretty much forced to release sooner than they probably would have liked as their funds were running out and Microsoft was no longer their team player. From Let me see... this is not a WoW killer. This game is made for the hardcore MMO player in mind, and even though it has had a rocky start you should have been there for BETA... One thing to remember about this game is that Sigil was pretty much forced to release sooner than they probably would have liked as their funds were running out and Microsoft was no longer their team player. From what I can tell they are a VERY VERY dedicated team of developers though as we receive decent size patches every few days fixing many problems and evening out the playing field for the players. I myself even play what is considered at this moment a 'broken' class(the rogue), but love the game because of it's beauty, options, and size. Anyone complaining about having problems with graphics is not playing the game as it should be... you can't play on your little PIII with your 128MB video card anymore, get over it. If you want a simpler game go play WoW, because Vanguard is here to please those of us that are hardcore about our MMOs. Expand
  43. DanB.
    Feb 23, 2007
    8
    I'm running on an E6600, Geforce 7950GT, and 2gigs OCZ gold ram. The performance on my system isn't great, but it really isn't as bad as everyone says. The FPS is fairly consistent, and the drops (I've never really had below 10 fps, it's usually around 40) are worth it. If you just stop and look at the scenery it's really quite breathtaking. Trees sway I'm running on an E6600, Geforce 7950GT, and 2gigs OCZ gold ram. The performance on my system isn't great, but it really isn't as bad as everyone says. The FPS is fairly consistent, and the drops (I've never really had below 10 fps, it's usually around 40) are worth it. If you just stop and look at the scenery it's really quite breathtaking. Trees sway realistically in the wind, high definition clouds roll across starlit skies, the moon reflects off the ocean... The graphics really pull you into the game. I made it to level 10 in about 10 hours playtime, but I can tell it's going to be slow going after this. But, I can buy a mount, and with the great crafting system I can make enough money to buy a horse in about 2 hours. Not bad really, and certainly better than killing 3 different types of boars over and over. Give it a shot. Expand
  44. SarreneG.
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    Since there is not a 9.5, I gave it a ten. There are bugs in the game, yet the emersion, the quests, the crafting and the huge world are just wonderful. This game has had a LOT of fixes in the last month, and can only see more on the way. And this is unite. It is not a clone of any game, but a nice mesh of old from others and new ideas. Great and do recommend it to anyone that wants a Since there is not a 9.5, I gave it a ten. There are bugs in the game, yet the emersion, the quests, the crafting and the huge world are just wonderful. This game has had a LOT of fixes in the last month, and can only see more on the way. And this is unite. It is not a clone of any game, but a nice mesh of old from others and new ideas. Great and do recommend it to anyone that wants a real mmoRPG game. Expand
  45. Kxzut
    Mar 15, 2007
    10
    This is far best MMORPG out there. Now its just on players to make it the most fun. Bugs and performance is a question of a few patches. No MMORPG was without bugs when it was released.
  46. RobertS.
    Feb 25, 2008
    9
    Minor flaws here and there, overall getting better and better as they fix minor problems. Almost too much to do, and not enough time to do it all.
  47. EricS
    Apr 12, 2008
    8
    With Game update 5 in the works, this game has came a long way since its release over a year ago. SoE has been changing the game, making it more "WoW-ified" with considerations to cheapen the death penalty and easier travel. While the game has a huge potential to over take the MMORPG throne, right now its just a seed with it's roots grapsing hold finally progressing its growth.

    If
    With Game update 5 in the works, this game has came a long way since its release over a year ago. SoE has been changing the game, making it more "WoW-ified" with considerations to cheapen the death penalty and easier travel. While the game has a huge potential to over take the MMORPG throne, right now its just a seed with it's roots grapsing hold finally progressing its growth.

    If your looking for a new MMO, I believe the trial island will be available (soon?) when the GU5 comes out. Other wise, you have to pay for the full game and a free month of play time. Still worthy though if your desperate for a new change of scenery. hope you enjoy the massive world of Telon!
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  48. DavidP
    Oct 26, 2009
    9
    Started Vanguard at launch, quit 2 months later (glutton for punishment). But recently returned and I am just shocked how well everything has changed. In my opinion one of the best out there.
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 32
  2. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. 70
    While free of crash bugs, problems in interface, gameplay, and content abound. But if you're an old-school player, or a WoW player who's ready to delve deeper into a more complex MMORPG, then Vanguard was made for you.
  2. People willing to put in the effort will certainly be rewarded, since each level in every mode feels like a major accomplishment. Vanguard, with vast opportunities and size, requires time to grow on players. Patient gamers who enjoy tons of options will find many riches and glory here.
  3. The world that it all takes place in is amazing on terms of size and beauty. However, this is a hardcore MMO designed first and foremost for devoted players with lots of time to invest - just to get to level 10 will take you a few days, whereas you can hit that level in "WoW" in a long afternoon.