CNET Networks Entertainment GameSpot | GameFAQs | SportsGamer | Metacritic | MP3.com | TV.com
Home | About Metacritic | About Metascores | What's New | Wireless Versions | Discussion Forums | Advertising Inquiries | Contact Us | RSS
Metacritic.com: We Deal With Criticism
     Help
> Switch to Advanced Search  
Film Video/DVD Music Games TV

Games

Playstation Reviews
PS3 | PS2 | PS One | PSP

Xbox Reviews
Xbox 360 | Xbox

Nintendo Reviews
Wii | DS | GBA | Cube | N64


PC | N-Gage | Dreamcast

How Metascores Are Calculated
Discuss Games In Our Forums

 

Upcoming & Recent Releases

sort by name sort by score

80 Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures
xx Alone in the Dark
xx Art of Murder: FBI Confidential
79 Assassin's Creed: Director's Cut Edition
xx Baseball Mogul 2009
xx Beauty Factory
xx Beijing 2008
60 Belief & Betrayal
xx Blokus World Tour
61 Bus Driver
xx Chaos Theory
xx Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, The
xx Code of Honor: The French Foreign Legion
xx Combat Mission Shock Force - Marines
77 Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath
xx Crazy Machines 2
xx Crimes of War
xx Cross City
xx Crusaders: Thy Kingdom Come
xx Cry of the Infected
xx Dancing with the Stars
xx Devil May Cry 4
xx Diamonds in the Rough
74 Dracula: Origin
xx Dreamlords: The Reawakening
xx Europa Universalis III: In Nomine
73 Europa Universalis: Rome
xx Everyday Shooter
45 Fate of Hellas
xx Field Ops
xx Ford Racing Off Road
94 Galactic Civilizations II: Twilight of the Arnor
xx Goin' Downtown
48 Golden Horde, The
53 Great War Nations: The Spartans
89 GRID
xx Gumboy Tournament
xx Happy Tree Friends False Alarm
56 Hard to be a God
xx Highlander
xx Hired Guns: The Jagged Edge
xx Hope Springs Eternal
xx Immortals of Terra: A Perry Rhodan Adventure, The
xx Incredible Hulk, The
xx Insecticide: Episode 1
35 Iron Man
77 Kung Fu Panda
xx Legendary
79 LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
xx Limbo of the Lost
xx Lost Cases Of Sherlock Holmes, The
58 Lost Empire: Immortals
74 Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition
xx Mabinogi - Fantasy Life
xx Magic: The Gathering Online III
90 Mass Effect
xx Nancy Drew: The Phantom of Venice
69 Napoleon's Campaigns
57 Ninja Reflex: Steamworks Edition
xx Noitu Love 2: Devolution
xx NOMBZ: Night of a Million Billion Zombies
59 Obscure: The Aftermath
xx Out of the Park Baseball 9
69 Overclocked: A History of Violence
xx Panzer Command: Kharkov
77 Penny Arcade Adventures Epsiode One: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness
72 Political Machine 2008, The
xx Requiem: Bloodymare
68 Riddle of the Tomb
xx Romance of The Three Kingdoms XI
84 Sam & Max Episode 204: Chariots of the Dogs
85 Sam & Max Episode 205: What's New, Beelzebub?
xx Samurai Warriors 2
xx SBK-08 Superbike World Championship
xx Settlers: Rise of an Empire - The Eastern Realm, The
38 Seven Kingdoms: Conquest
73 Sherlock Holmes: Nemesis
xx Ship Simulator 2008: New Horizons
xx Silent Hunter: Wolves of the Pacific U-Boat Missions
xx SimCity Societies Destinations
58 Simon the Sorcerer 4: Chaos Happens
xx Sims 2 IKEA Home Stuff, The
xx Sims 2: Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff, The
xx So Blonde
81 Spore Creature Creator
xx Stateshift
xx Strategic Command 2: Patton Drives East
48 Stronghold Crusader Extreme
63 Sudden Strike 3: Arms for Victory
xx Supernova 2: Spacewar
74 Supreme Ruler 2020
xx Tank Universal
xx Terrorist Takedown 2: U.S. Navy SEALs
xx Terrorist Takedown: Conflict in Mogadishu
78 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2
xx Top Trumps: Doctor Who
xx TrackMania Nations Forever
85 TrackMania United Forever
65 Turok
xx Ubersoldier 2: The End of Hitler
70 UEFA Euro 2008
xx Urban Empires
xx WALL-E
53 Warriors Orochi
xx Windchaser
xx Women's Murder Club
xx XIII Century: Death or Glory

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.



Printer-Friendly Version Email This Page Discuss In Our Forums
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes pc Game Reviews
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes
Critic Score
Metascore: 68 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
6.8 out of 10
based on 32 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 81 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game

Vanguard: Saga of Heroes will be the premier third generation massively multiplayer RPG. A vast, seamless, immersive virtual world filled with elements of familiar High Fantasy, including traditional themes and more, all depicted using cutting-edge graphics technology. Sigil's expertise and experience in the field will bring groundbreaking static and dynamic content to the genre. Vanguard will build upon the successes and strengths of earlier MMOGs to improve popular game mechanics and features, but also address these pioneering games' mistakes and deficiencies. Vanguard will focus heavily on interdependence, challenge, and reward, while simultaneously addressing tedious and annoying issues, including camping, excessive downtime and more. [Sigil Games]

PUBLISHER: Microsoft
DEVELOPER: Sigil Games
GENRE(S): Massively-Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game
PLAYERS: Thousands
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: January 29, 2007

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

81
Ferrago
Even thought the game has its annoyances (like the steep death penalty you have to endure) it's a very accomplished title with a lot of rewards for a dedicated player.
Read Full Review
80
Games Radar
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
80
Gamer's Hell
It has certainly impressed me in many ways: Beautiful design, convincing environments, and depth of play.
Read Full Review
78
GameZone
This game will be worth revisiting in a year to see what progress has been made and how it has evolved.
Read Full Review
78
Game Chronicles
Your everyday MMORPG with its own unique world and atmosphere. It only has one neat and unique feature called Diplomacy and what it lacks in terms of sound effects, it makes up for in quality writing.
Read Full Review
77
IGN
The slower progression, group focus and huge world all set the game apart from the current MMO behemoth, World of Warcraft. Whether those differences are positive or negative is largely a matter of taste.
Read Full Review
76
GamerNode
A game with a lot of potential, but isn't quite where it can be. With a team constantly working on improving the experience, though, things look bright for its future.
Read Full Review
75
Game Informer
If a slower-paced, more complex title in the vein of EverQuest is what you’re looking for, Vanguard will serve you well. A lack of polish in several areas and strong competition keep this game from being particularly special, though.
Read Full Review
75
GameSpot
Experienced role players will enjoy the engaging combat and fascinating diplomatic gameplay, in spite of Vanguard's litany of bugs and singular focus on group adventuring.
Read Full Review
75
Gamers Europe
Naturally, nothing can currently compete with the current industry leaders, but with a little time and a lot of bug spray, Vanguard will surely rise far enough through the ranks to challenge the titans for their crowns.
Read Full Review
75
Worth Playing
Vanguard is flawed but has exceptional potential to offer a satisfying long-term experience.
Read Full Review
74
Cheat Code Central
With its faults, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes should be passed by on the shelf without even a second glance. With the immersive multiplayer gaming experience and its in-depth complexity, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes offers a challenge that any old-school player, or a newcomer to the genre, can't pass up.
Read Full Review
74
Jolt Online Gaming UK
While we can’t look into the future to predict how Vanguard will turn out over the coming months, the early signs are promising that this could be more than just the real next generation of "Everquest."
Read Full Review
72
AtomicGamer
Class balance is currently way off but is slowly being put back in line - this is mostly evident on the game's two Player vs. Player servers (one of them is a race-based team server, while the other is a free-for-all between any players).
Read Full Review
70
AceGamez
Despite some bugs, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes still remains instantly accessible for those with some patience, and you will need a great deal of patience, because although WoW showed everyone how fun MMORPGs can be once you design them to be accessible to all, Vanguard is a game geared towards the hardcore players who crave more of a challenge.
Read Full Review
70
games(TM)
Though Vanguard is a solid enough title, it’s up to Sony’s marketing department to pull in subscribers and strike the right balance. [Apr 2007, p.122]
70
PC Format
Sigil says "The only limits are your own." I'd suggest that most players will reach the outer limits of their patience very quickly. [Apr 2007, p.68]
70
Yahoo! Games
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
70
GameDaily
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
69
PC Gamer
Sadly, I can't score the game based on what it might become. Right now, Vanguard requires that you turn a blind eye to too many nagging issues to fully enjoy it. [May 2007, p.68]
68
PC Gamer UK
Ambitious, but too flaky and cold. [Apr 2007, p.70]
67
GameShark
There is clearly an audience for this sort game, and the base design certainly has its share of interesting (and fun) concepts, but it was clearly not ready for public consumption.
Read Full Review
67
Gaming Age
It’s a nice alternative to a play style that some feel is getting a bit stale already, and if you were a fan of the old school, it’s worth checking out for the free month at least.
Read Full Review
65
PALGN
Overall, Vanguard is promising. With some tweaking over its lifespan, it may be able to provide some fresh MMORPG action, with some elements new to the genre. However, currently many issues hold it back from being great.
Read Full Review
63
Strategy Informer
Overall Vanguard isn't a bad game, but it doesn't really bring anything new to the table of the MMO industry.
Read Full Review
60
EuroGamer
For now, Vanguard is a game which has plenty to offer a brave adventurer with a stunning PC. Aside from any design or content problems we've identified with the game, potential buyers need to be aware that they're entering a world which, as a prominent WOW character would have it, is not prepared.
Read Full Review
60
GameSpy
There's potential for a very good game here, and we've had our share of both highs and lows with the gameplay, but the sheer number of gameplay bugs, graphical issues, and poor technical performance make it difficult to recommend in its current state.
Read Full Review
60
G4 TV
The run-of-the-mill level grinding in Vanguard is no better or worse than any other MMO. It’s a little disappointing that we still have to deal with crap like this. But there are some neat ideas in Vanguard.
Read Full Review
58
Game Almighty
There is no reason to buy this game for at least 6 months, unless you are a glutton for punishment. Hopefully by six months the majority of the bugs will be taken care of and Vanguard will resemble a game instead of a proof-of-concept.
Read Full Review
58
Game Revolution
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes might be a far better game in a few months time, but coming from the company that questionably destroyed one of its most popular MMOs ("Star Wars Galaxies"), nothing is guaranteed.
Read Full Review
45
PC Zone UK
A hollow, mind-numbingly dull MMORPG grind that stretches the boundaries of good taste and sensible design decisions.
Read Full Review
30
1UP
A game that desperately needed another six months of beta-testing.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 6.8 (out of 10) based on 81 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Sanvean S. gave it a0:
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.

Anthony B. gave it a9:
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!

Robert S. gave it a9:
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.

Peter S. gave it a9:
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.

Talmadge W. gave it a1:
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.

Steve H. gave it a0:
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.

Steve A. gave it a9:
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.

Read more user comments...

Discuss this game in our forums

Return to top of page
Home | FILM | DVD/VIDEO | MUSIC | GAMES | TV | Forums | About Metacritic metacritic.com

Popular on CBS sites: World News | Fantasy Football | Amy Winehouse | Baseball | E3 | Batman | Firefox 3 | iPhone 3G

About CNET Networks | Jobs | Advertise

© 2008 CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use