The open beta Sigil's Vanguard: Saga of Heroes begins today, with the beta client up on FilePlanet as we speak, though only available to subscribers and preorder folks for the first week. With the beginning of this final phase of testing the NDA has also been lifted and tongues are wagging, including my own. I've been in the closed beta for the past several weeks now, having spent more than enough time to give you some basic impressions of the game.

Vanguard is an MMO created by Brad McQuaid, one of the creators of the original Everquest, who left the company to explore possibilities. Possibilities like creating a game that plays like the missing link between EQ1 and EQ2. You get the relatively simplistic (in most cases) gameplay of the first game with graphics halfway between the two. In part I blame the overall lack of character and the generic fantasy setting for failing to keep my interest. While the variety of class and race combinations is impressive, but I am getting tired of plastic looking characters that only truly shine if I push my computer to its limits.

I wish MMO developer would focus less on the look and instead focus their energies on creating something fluid and entertaining. Even in the trailer from GameTrailers.com below you can see the framerate stuttering.

Now I do enjoy the quest system, which encourages you to explore the world, propelling you across the countryside engaged in a variety of tasks. I also like the variety between class mechanics, which is much like you find in World of Warcraft. The monk character, for instance, accrues points as he uses abilities, which can be used to unleash even more powerful ones.

In the end, I'm just a guy writing on a gaming blog, and this is just my opinion, which carries just as much weight as yours does. Try the game out for yourself, see how you like it. It isn't shaping up to be my cup of tea, but I certainly wouldn't want you to avoid something just because I didn't like it. Check the press release below for info on downloading and forming an opinion for yourself! Michael Fahey

OPEN BETA BEGINS ON JANUARY 5th FOR VANGUARD: SAGA OF HEROES
Sony Online Entertainment and Sigil Games Online today announced that open beta will begin tomorrow, January 5th, for the upcoming massively multiplayer online role-playing game, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. Tomorrow players that are participating in the pre-order program will be able to access the open beta. Other adventurers interested in exploring the world of Telon can head over to www.fileplanet.com to begin their journey. Vanguard: Saga of Heroes will immerse players in a classical fantasy setting filled with magic and intrigue beginning in Q1 of 2007.

About Vanguard
The only limits are your own in Telon. The adventurous can choose from multiple paths of exploration within the three spheres of advancement: adventuring, crafting, and diplomacy. Players can delve into the mysteries of Telon, and embark upon quests to slay monstrous beasts locked deep inside rugged mountain ranges. Those with a quick mind can use diplomacy to convince kings to move armies and change the course of history. With player-crafted boats, flying mounts, and customizable player housing, Vanguard offers players a world of their own choosing.

To join the North American open beta please visit: http://www.fileplanet.com/promotions/vanguardbeta/landing.aspx
For the first week the offer is only open to File Planet subscribers, to subscribe visit www.fileplanet.com

The European beta will open on January 8th. European customers who have pre-ordered Vanguard: Saga of Heroes and received their key can also join beta on January 5th.

For more information about Vanguard: Saga of Heroes please visit: www.vanguardsoh.com and www.joinvanguard.com

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