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. Jaz
    Feb 24, 2013
    6
    A game that had potential but didn't make a difference. Part of the reason for that -besides the abundance of bugs originally- is that its old school, same game play with Everquest 1 with a few innovations. EQ1 and even EQ2 were in the same league and better. Without its bugs it would be a good game for 2007, but now it looks aged especially in characters and animations. Still, has someA game that had potential but didn't make a difference. Part of the reason for that -besides the abundance of bugs originally- is that its old school, same game play with Everquest 1 with a few innovations. EQ1 and even EQ2 were in the same league and better. Without its bugs it would be a good game for 2007, but now it looks aged especially in characters and animations. Still, has some great classes to pick from and it is f2p as well. Give it a try.… Expand
  2. 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!
  3. 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.
  4. MMOPlayer
    Dec 7, 2009
    3
    Vanguard features one of the most beautiful and immersive game worlds I have ever seen. The epic scale of Telon is unmatched in any game in terms of graphics, size or general freedom. There are flying mounts in the game allowing you go travel anywhere you can see. All of this sounds great, but the game has been plagued with bugs and glitches since day 1, and while they are much better Vanguard features one of the most beautiful and immersive game worlds I have ever seen. The epic scale of Telon is unmatched in any game in terms of graphics, size or general freedom. There are flying mounts in the game allowing you go travel anywhere you can see. All of this sounds great, but the game has been plagued with bugs and glitches since day 1, and while they are much better than when the game launched, progress seems to come at a snails pace. The development team is so small that every plan for new content they add is pushed back or delayed (indefinitely) due to lack of resources. It's this reason that I give the game a 3 for lack of support and new content. Very little has been added respectfully since the game was launched over 2 years ago and this is just unacceptable in any MMO.… Expand
  5. 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.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. PrivateH
    Apr 14, 2009
    5
    This game is garbage even in 2009. Population is so bad they have added RMT so you can buy your account in game through Sony. Still buggy, still boring, still not many playing and with HORRIBLE character animations and unbalanced classes. For elitist MMO snobs only.
  11. 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.
  12. TimR
    Mar 4, 2009
    4
    This game is severely lacking on several levels. The decisions Sony has made since taking the game over have not all been good ones. Take for example, the changes a while back to rangers. Sony decided it would be cute to make it so that rangers use the Vanguard equivalent of mana whenever they shoot their bow, but tried to excuse it by saying that they upped the ranger dps. What did this This game is severely lacking on several levels. The decisions Sony has made since taking the game over have not all been good ones. Take for example, the changes a while back to rangers. Sony decided it would be cute to make it so that rangers use the Vanguard equivalent of mana whenever they shoot their bow, but tried to excuse it by saying that they upped the ranger dps. What did this achieve? Lower overall dps because the ranger has to constantly eat now to regain energy and power. This game is ludicrous and an exercise in futility. Pass on this one, the only saving grace about it are the graphics, which are on-par with current games. Other than that, the random lag spikes people have mentioned are actually the game freezing to load up a new region that you enter. That's right, the coding is so bad that when you go to a new section of the map, the game freezes for 1-10 seconds.… Expand
  13. SeanC
    Feb 23, 2009
    0
    This game is just flat out boring, there's nothing to bring you in, it's the same thing that's been done before with no twist or any good mechanic.
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  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. 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
  21. JosephNelson
    Jul 30, 2008
    3
    Either this game was produced on a shoestring budget to compete with WoW, or this game was a concept that was released unfinished. AS others have said, with a good graphics card, the landscape looks pretty good. But the characters, interface, and those horrid NPC voices, are the cheesiest things I have ever seen. If SOE will invest some money into this and improve these mentionedEither this game was produced on a shoestring budget to compete with WoW, or this game was a concept that was released unfinished. AS others have said, with a good graphics card, the landscape looks pretty good. But the characters, interface, and those horrid NPC voices, are the cheesiest things I have ever seen. If SOE will invest some money into this and improve these mentioned things, they might have a winner, because the potential idea for this game is definitely there.… Expand
  22. WardK
    Jul 25, 2008
    0
    Despite what I keep hearing this has some of the worst graphics I have seen in a game active as of July 2008! I'm trying it out on a everex xt5300 laptop (AMD TL50, nvidia 8600M G, 2 gigs CAS4 667 RAM, 5400 rpm sata1) so as with every recent game I know I have to cut corners and apply numerous tweaks. But after tweaking, defragging and a number of other googled suggestions, I still Despite what I keep hearing this has some of the worst graphics I have seen in a game active as of July 2008! I'm trying it out on a everex xt5300 laptop (AMD TL50, nvidia 8600M G, 2 gigs CAS4 667 RAM, 5400 rpm sata1) so as with every recent game I know I have to cut corners and apply numerous tweaks. But after tweaking, defragging and a number of other googled suggestions, I still get like 30-40 fps tops on the lowest settings - the lowest settings. Not medium-low, not balanced - the lowest. And if you didn't know the lowest settings look like the worst ass you imagine. So for kicks I cranked the video settings up all the way just to see what it would look like (not feasible to play at about 5 fps) and it was still wholly underwhelming. I can only imagine what kind of janky coding they have to make such plain-jane graphics use so much power. The animations are horrendous also. You pretty much have to play in 1st-person to not be constantly annoyed by the D-grade animations. For reference, they remind me of the animation in Morrowind's third-person view. To the person who said this game looks better than Oblivion - I want what you're smoking. Even if I had the power to crank this all the way up and still have smooth fps I wouldn't bother because it would still look trite and mediocre.… Expand
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. SanveanS.
    Mar 9, 2008
    0
    Horrid. I cannot fathom WHY SoE purchased this game, worst MMO on the market. I have a great rig, Dirext X10, and max graphics lookg like... horrid. No lag that I saw, just ugly and freaky. They remind me of a blend of SecondLife and EQ1 Classic.
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. TalmadgeW.
    Oct 21, 2007
    1
    Bought the game yesterday, it took over 4 hours to complete the updates, cause it kept CRASHING during the updates. Finally got it up and running. Created one character, got to level 6. Game play is mostly hack and slash grinding. Tried to play today, logged in fine, but keep getting "Waiting for World Sever Response" screen. I can't even see my character, much less play. No Bought the game yesterday, it took over 4 hours to complete the updates, cause it kept CRASHING during the updates. Finally got it up and running. Created one character, got to level 6. Game play is mostly hack and slash grinding. Tried to play today, logged in fine, but keep getting "Waiting for World Sever Response" screen. I can't even see my character, much less play. No reasonable company would release such a bug ridden game. Sony should be ashamed. Those people who rate this high are obviously Sony employees or synchophants. This game is truly horrible.… Expand
  30. SteveH.
    Aug 9, 2007
    0
    I can't believe I spent money on this game. It's absolutely horrible. When people talk about inspiring graphics, they must be talking about the landscapes because everything else looks like it is based on a game engine from the early 90's. As for game play, they took all the bad, boring, bits of old Everquest and made a game of it. Maybe something better will come of it I can't believe I spent money on this game. It's absolutely horrible. When people talk about inspiring graphics, they must be talking about the landscapes because everything else looks like it is based on a game engine from the early 90's. As for game play, they took all the bad, boring, bits of old Everquest and made a game of it. Maybe something better will come of it down the road - if the game even lasts that long.… 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.
    Read full review
  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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