Vanguard: Saga of Heroes

 PC
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 124 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 82 out of 124
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 124
  3. Negative: 30 out of 124
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  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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!    … Expand
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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.    … Expand
  30. 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
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Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best PC Game of 2007
20
#20 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 32
  3. Negative: 2 out of 32
  1. Yahoo!
    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.
    Read full review
  2. GameDaily
    70
    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.
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  3. GamesRadar+
    80
    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.
    Read full review
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