got a few questions

[Bao]

Hi, I've just seen this game and like the look of it, but anyway information on it is limited to the test server and just general complains. I was wonderinging if anyone could help me by answeing a few questions about it, I've been a slave to Blizzard's Anti-Horde nature for a year now and am sick of it and don't want to get into a game that's going to end up like that again.

My questions:
1. What's the gameplay style like cause it looks like a mix of Oblivion and WOW

2. How does PVP and PVE work in the game

3. how does the different spheres work. I understand that they are ment to be seperate form each other but that's about were my understanding ends

4. How playable is the game, cause some people recon it needs more time to have bugs fixed.

that's the 4 main ones, if anyone is going to say i've missed somthing like a site or somthing, you're probably right so can you post a link to it to help.

[Ysharros]

Hiya Bao.

1. That's not a bad way to sum it up. It's an MMO, so despite differences in art and mechanics, it still follows the kill-loot-level paradigm most other games do. Past that, enjoyment of VG's gameplay is to some extent a personal thing.

2. I can't answer the PVP, though from what I read I get the impression that PVP in Vanguard could use a bit of work. PVE works pretty much like it does everywhere else. Find mob, fight mob, kill mob. I can't comment on more specific things like waiting or competing for spawns because I play mostly on the Test server, which is considered to be heaving when there are 40 players on at one time - competition isn't really an issue there.

3. The three spheres are only technically independent; in order to get the most out of each you'll find you need competence in one or more of the other two. Crafting, for instance: you can level up more or less in a vacuum, but in order to make good items you'll need harvested resources which, in most cases, are easier to obtain at higher levels if you have decent adventuring skills... or folk who can supply you. In that respect Vanguard is, again, like most other games out there; I think the vaunted independence of the spheres has created more misapprehensions than simply saying you'd need a mix of all 3 to get the most out of each one. (A single char doesn't *have* to be competent in all three spheres - having friends who can fill in your gaps works almost as well.)

That said, many people are *just* adventurers, quite a few are *just* crafters, and there are a number of people who do nothing but diplomacy, all without requiring dozens of levels in any other sphere. Having a good support network helps, but that's the case in any game.

4. The last few patches have had pretty huge effects on stability for many setups (though as usual there are a few who have, paradoxically, suffered) - I had the client running all day yesterday, for instance, through numerous char changes and long travels, and didn't crash once. A few weeks back I could rely on crashing at least 2-3 times a day, usually many more.

That said, there are still quite a few things to iron out, some of which are due to be patched to the test server pretty soon. It's definitely improving. Whether it's playable for you or whether it's too buggy depends partly on your rig (some are more prone to issues than others, and you can't usually tell till you try), partly on your own tolerance for bugs, and partly on your playstyle.

I'm having a good time in Vanguard and have been since beta, but I also made a conscious decision to play despite the bugs and issues I knew were there - friends of mine, conversely, made the decision to stop playing until things were smoother for them.

To be blunt, unless the cost is negligible to you I would advise waiting a month or three before picking up Vanguard. There's a ton of work being done, including various things to make the initial Vanguard experience a little easier (which may not be an issue for an experienced MMO player), and we may well see some kind of free trial at some point.

On the other hand, if you can absorb the cost and don't mind taking the risk that you won't like the game, or if you're pretty sure already that you *will* like the game... come join us. Despite the bad press and the game's now laughable reputation, it's neither as good as it was once hyped to be (what is?) nor nearly as bad as some are saying.

Our dozen or so servers are going to be merged into a third of that number in the next few weeks, which is going to cause some upheaval and might be worth noting; however, I haven't seen an ETA on that.

[Aredhel]

Excellent overview, Ysh!!

There are a lot of people enjoying Telon right now, and have been since forever, it seems. We, literally, fight hard against the "me" crowd who wanted it perfect since beta 3 and cut the game no slack whatsoever. They are the ones writing so much negativity, even tho they aren't playing any more (not all cases, mind you), but just want to cause problems and bring down the game!

Stupid? Yup!

Are they winning? Nope!

SoE is proving their commitment to Vanguard, more behind the scenes than anything. Game companies are finding out, much through the problems with early hype of Vanguard, that too much said too soon is not good juju!! Reminds me of that old saying, "Best to remain quiet and thought a fool rather than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!"

It's been hard, but I think if you heed Ysh's words, you'll find the game wonderful some day in the not-to-distant future! It's not half shabby not!

[Bao]

Ok that answered everything almost, i should have been more exact, Whats the difference between PVP and PVE servers,

And a new question how are resources found, i'm imagining WOW style but i can't imagine how lumber would be gotten, except there would only be set trees to cut down. to add to that i hear you only need one group member with the skill to doa harvesting.

I'll probably get more, but it's only cause i liek the look of this game but don't want to get screwed again

[Bao]

Ok i did a bit more looking, on the PVP/E part, it looks like PVE is wow style PVP, two teams fight it out, and PVP is any player can attack any other player regardless of faction race and creed. If that's right what classes have AOEs?

sounds like some farmer's are going to burn...

[Aredhel]

A lot of the info you're looking for now can be found in the Wiki.

PvE is Player vs Environment and PvP is Player vs Player, so the difference is pretty huge, really. And there are rules about levels who can do what to another player in PvP, so it's not just all out war and survival of the oldest. I'm not PvP, by any stretch, so won't be able to tell you much more, really. Loads of info on the site, tho.

Lumbering is really neat! You actually see yourself chopping down the trees and the tree falling. Only one in the group is needed to actually harvest, but the fun really starts in when your crafter types are trying to get resources but need a whole group to help them get there and such.

Any help at all?

[Ysharros]

Note that if anyone in the group wants to help harvest, they need at least a harvesting skill sufficient for the level of resource being harvested (common parlance is Tiers in VG, and a Tier 1 resource needs skill 1+ to help, Tier 2 needs skill 100+ to help, etc)... and harvesting tools of the right type. Very basic tools are cheap and should be in every adventurer's pack, imo, since they don't take up space used by anything else and yields are always higher when harvesting with more people.

The initiating harvester needs a *specialised* skill (like Lumberjacking or Mining) of the right level to be able to start things off.

[Bao]

I know the PVP and PVE difference, but what's it mean server wise, some are PVP and some a PVE, m WOW PVE you can only attack "Flaged" players and PVP servers let u attack anyone in hostile areas.

Anyway I think i'll wait a month then get it.

[SwordMage]

On the PVE servers there is no team PvP -- flagged or otherwise -- we may not be friends, but we can gain access to any player city (and eventually need to for various quests). We do start out Kill on Sight in some places, but can fix that by slaughtering the local outlaws.

[Bao]

wait, get friendly with the enemy? that sounde so weird, but cool.

So PVP servers are two teams going at it with no faction change?
and KOS lets player attack/Gank you right?

also what are the "Teams" as such anyway?