Vanguard: Saga of Heroes restrictions removed on F2P

[Millburn]

The mechanics in Vanguard are as a whole really one of a kind. They took such nuanced approaches to each class that ended up really setting everything apart. The fact that Necromancers could craft their pets with items and trophies you got from mobs and bosses around the world was spot on badass. Pretty much every class had something like that though, so instead of each one having its own role and niche to fill in the metagame they had their own way of playing from the user end. I wish more games would do that.

[Snagglepuss]

I liked how they moved away from the ranger being a weak melee druid to more of a scout / archer. They are still portrayed as a light armor dps class, but their ability to deal serious bow damage, especially while hidden is so cool. Add in some nature based attacks and the ability to charm animals, and they are a super versatile class that is great for an explorer / solo type of player. The different defensive stances allow you play a variety of styles like archer, melee dps, or evasive.

Also, I thought it was cool how rogues deal huge damage while being "stealthed" or hidden, much like using sneak in EQ. They remain hidden until they grab aggro and are attacked.

The attack system was really cool how you could exploit mob weaknesses through certain attacks. The chain attacks and counter attacks were really neat. Classes like rogues could create opportunities by distracting the mobs allowing group members to exploit various weaknesses of the mob.

[stormlord]

Originally Posted by Snagglepuss [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I liked how they moved away from the ranger being a weak melee druid to more of a scout / archer. They are still portrayed as a light armor dps class, but their ability to deal serious bow damage, especially while hidden is so cool. Add in some nature based attacks and the ability to charm animals, and they are a super versatile class that is great for an explorer / solo type of player. The different defensive stances allow you play a variety of styles like archer, melee dps, or evasive.

Also, I thought it was cool how rogues deal huge damage while being "stealthed" or hidden, much like using sneak in EQ. They remain hidden until they grab aggro and are attacked.

The attack system was really cool how you could exploit mob weaknesses through certain attacks. The chain attacks and counter attacks were really neat. Classes like rogues could create opportunities by distracting the mobs allowing group members to exploit various weaknesses of the mob.

The ranger in EQ2 is very much a scout/archer as well. Not much different. I don't think the EQ2 ranger has a pet, though. That makes the Vanguard ranger seem more like a beastmaster.

Drizzt was a ranger in the Salvatore novels and he had a magical panther...

The EQ1 ranger is very much a oddball combination of combat and magic. I always liked it. First and foremost, the magic system in EQ is interesting because of the kiting and aggro mechanics. It's not boring like melee.

I tried playing in EQ2, but it inevitably ended up just being button mashing hack/slash and little/no kiting or aggro control. I don't know if that's how Vanguard is, but since it's the same cojmpany working on both, I wouldn't be surprised. The ranger in EQ2 can snare and kill from a distance, but it's just not the same thing - it's much more hack/slash. Yes, a couple classes can "kite" or do "aggro control", but many just kill their way to the end. A lot of this can be blamed on how EQ2 works underneath. Its mechanics are more watered down.

The Warder in EQ2 can kite (ranged spell damage) and and do aggro control (by rooting), for example. But the warder is a staff wielding healer caster that's not to be mistaken for a ranger. It's far more like a druid.

I guess some people like aggro control and kiting and others don't. To each his own. I think it'd be better if there were more skill-based games out there so we can make our own custom "class".

[Gadwen]

I don't know if it has been mentioned yet, but they took Vanguard off the launcher ads for EQ and EQ2. Doesn't seem like a good sign.

[Anesthia]

Vanguard is a niche MMO. Don't read too much into it.

Playing a bard and having fun. The complexity of crafting, diplomacy (addictive card game!), and composing buffs (including tooltips o.O) is a nice counterbalance to the predominant WoW mentality. It's like EQ grew up and followed The True Vision instead of space kitties.

(I played the beta and pretty much stopped adventuring to level up Diplomacy as high as it would go in the starter areas. Excellent MMO.)

[Millburn]

Hey Vamp I won't be able to get online until much later than anticipated. Probably gonna pass on logging in as I have another early day tomorrow. Won't be able to run Tomb of Lord Tsang but perhaps tomorrow as I finally get a day off on Sunday. Could you let Khoum know as well?

[Rhambuk]

been trying to catch up to you guys, 12 atm, going slow ive done tomb ive done three rivers im in wildgrowth now and the quests are advancing faster than I level. I did the lvl 10-12 quests now its 13-14 with multiple mobs.

Anyway new job so my playtimes have been screwy lately, should be around this weekend!

[Millburn]

No worries Rhambuk, we can always mentor down to do content with you until you catch up. Don't be afraid to jump around to the different continents and areas using the rift stones, it's a great way to keep your play experience fresh.

[Mangorange]

Ok Splenny

[OngorDrakan]

Played for 5 minutes. Couldn't do it. Maybe I have to start over to understand WTF I'm doing.