I've got a few buddies from work that want to try Vanguard but I think I threw away my collector's edition buddy keys. If any of you guys who bought Vanguard can send a few keys my way that would be greatly appreciated. Just send me a PM on the site.

Thanks,

Laz

I just put it back on my main machine yesterday so it's a bit premature for me to comment much on it. I will say that I was able to crank up the graphics to the next to highest setting, turn the grass down to like 30% and run pretty much at a flat 60 fps everywhere with very little hitching. That's a huge performance improvement over the last time I tried to play it - a few months ago. Granted, I'm on a decent right - currently running at 1900x1200 with a 8800ultra, a E6700 Core 2 Duo Overclocked chip and 4 gigs of RAM.

The population of both Xeth (PVE) and Seradon (PVP) seem to be decent actually. There were plenty of newbies running around and lots of guilds looking for players. I'd say the population seems healthier than it was 6 months ago and the performance has improved quite a bit. For me, even on release the game had some intangible qualities that drew me in and reminded me of what I loved about MMORPGs before things got so serious. Exploring a seamless world, beautiful environments, having fun grouping up to quest and knocking out dungeons are lots of fun. I also like the idea of it being something other than a second job (compared to my current EQ2 raiding schedule) where you can turn it off when you want to get some sleep and not think twice about it.

Hopefully, I'll spend some time in the game over the next few months and see how things go. I'd love to get some people to play with, other than just my office buddies, but that's probably asking a lot since so many were jaded in the months after release. I'm still debating playing on a PVP or PVE server. Vanguard to me sounds like such a PVE game where you really have time to take in all the gorgeous sights without worrying about getting ganked all the time. However, after playing on Nagafen for so long, I think I'd miss the PVP aspect. I'll probably stick with the PVP server.

One last thought, I remember thinking wow this scenery is gorgeous in the dwarf starting area last night. They added dynamic weather so a snow storm rolled in while I was going from level 1 to level 5. It started to snow with some large flurries, picked up intensity and soon I was standing in a full fledged blizzard with winds whipping the snow around and very realistic weather simulations. It made EQ2 snow look like complete crap. I could barely see the mobs. I just stood there for like 5 minutes panning the camera around enjoying the sights. Sometimes it's cool to smell the roses if you will instead of just click, click, click and level as fast as you possibly can. I don't know how much I'll stick with it as Conan and Warhammer are still on the horizon. But for now, I think it will be interesting to get deeper into the game and see what it offers. I'll update more as I get more game time.

Laz

Sounds good. Are you thinking PVE or PVP? They changed the riftway system in the most recent live update so it's supposedly much easier to get around to the various newbie areas to hook up with players who are other races etc... I think wood elfs and halflings make good rangers but you probalby can't go wrong with any race. Let me know what server - Sartok or Xeth,char name & time you might be on.)


Laz

I just hit level 6 and am gonna go get some sleep - seem to be short on that lately. Character is Lazaretto, halfling cleric on Sartok. You other guys who bought the game and then shelved it should give it a second look. It's the most beautiful looking game out at the moment and the performance is very strong. It's a shame it didn't release in it's current state because it could have had such a larger population. Let's go do some FFA PVP goodness until Conan comes out.

Laz

I've been thinking about getting into something different again... I'll try vanguard again. Sartok, Level 9 Monk, Rajesh. I also have a Level 5 Warrior, Maharana. What time are you guys on?

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My task is done/My song has ceased/My theme has died into an echo/It is fit.

Afraid to pick this back up at the moment... Hope you guys have fun there.. Lemme know if anyone is going to stay there..

On a side note, I've heard EQ1 redid their engine and it looks pretty damn good. Anyone heard the same? I wish they'd go $4.99 or something a month... I'd probably even stop and go play there.

Dude, please don't make excuses for getting old. You're not a young stud anymore, and you need your sleep...and your pills.... and don't forget about your cane...having to use the bathroom every 5 minutes...and /fades off