VANGUARD

Vanguard (also called Vanguard: Saga of Heroes) was a massively multiplayer online roleplaying game. Developed by Sigil Games, it was co-developed and published by Sony Online Entertainment. Vanguard was built on the Unreal Engine 2. The game was released worldwide in January 2007 for the Microsoft Windows platform. After shifting from a paid subscription model to a free to play model in August 2012, Vanguard was officially shut down in July 2014. The game has continued to survive in the form of private servers and emulator projects run by fans of the MMORPG.

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The Players and Daily login numbers are estimations based on subscriber numbers and online sentiment.

In Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, players explore and adventure in the land of Telon. As with most fantasy MMORPGs, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes offered a variety of classes, maps, dungeons, crafting, and other activities to indulge in. The realm of Telon is dividied into three continents (Kojan, Qalia, and Thestra), which can be travelled by sea or air with the appropriate conveyance.

Vanguard: Saga of Heroes characters were primarily measured by 6 attributes: Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, Vitality, Intelligence, and Wisdom. An interesting quirk of these attributes is the difference between Constitution and Vitality, with the former determining hit points and damage resistance, while the latter affected healing and energy regeneration, as well as unmounted travel speed.

Players select from a wide variety of races in Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, including Dark Elf, Dwarlf, Kurashasa, Orc, Raki, Lesser Giant, and various types of Humans. There are also a selection of Classes to choose from, including Cleric, Druid, Monk, Bard, Warrior, Rogue, Paladin, Dread Knight, Sorcerer, Ranger, Psionicist, Disciple, Shaman, Blood Mage, and Necromancer.

Players can also choose a Crafting Profession. Vanguard: Saga of Heroes has 3 types of broad trade skills: Artificer, Blacksmithing, and Outfitter. Each Profession have their own Specializations, Stations, Tools of the trade. For example, an Artificer at level 11 can choose to specialize as a Carpenter or as a Mineralogist. These Professions also help determine success with the raw materials that the characters can accumulate, such as wood, stone, gemstones, and leather hides.

One of the unique mechanics in Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is Diplomacy. Instead of simply being a matter of conversation, Diplomacy in the game is conducted by a card-based minigame. Encounters using Diplomacy in Vanguard: Saga of Heroes are called Parleys. Successful use of Diplomacy can lead to unlockable buffs, rewards, titles, and other benefits.