Preview: Vanguard Exiles (PC)

Sure, here’s a rewritten version that should meet your requirements:

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So, here we are again, poking around in the weird and wonderful world of Early Access games. Honestly, it’s one of those places where you never really know what to expect. Kinda like a surprise party, but, you know, for games. Once upon a time, this was where half-cooked ideas went to die, left in limbo forever—developers all like, “Hey, why finish it? We’re getting paid, right?” Not saying they’re all the same, of course, but it was a thing. Thankfully, things have changed, and now we’re seeing some gems pop up. Enter Vanguard Exiles. It’s our main event today.

So, get this: Vanguard Exiles is crafted by someone with a history, the same brains behind Magic: The Gathering. You’d expect cards, right? Nope, not even a single card peeks out. Imagine a hex-based brawler with that good old tabletop vibe. I have this sneaky feeling you’ll find it boxed up someday, complete with miniatures—expensive ones. And yes, I’ll probably be lining up for mine.

Here’s the deal: early look here, folks. Vanguard Exiles is still in Early Access, a work in progress—rough around the edges, as they say. So, if I grumble, it’s just what I see right now. You know how it is—random complaints, mostly about things going wrong, like the dreaded RNG. It can be a mess, but if they fix it? Woo, we’re talking magic.

Picture this: you’re commanding mercenaries running through these trench-like battlefields. The goal? Capture the rooms with the highest point values before anyone else. Hit 80 points, and you win. But there’s a twist—some rooms offer gold; others pump up your strength. And then, just for kicks, there might be an angry bear. All part of the fun, right? Strategy, strategy, strategy.

Now, the game. Hmm, how should I put this? It’s… intriguing, really. Auto-battler vibes all around, which either tickles your fancy or makes you squirm. You decide where troops go, in what numbers, and hope your moves don’t end up boosting the enemy more than they help you. It’s a gamble, but hey, at least the auto-battling part isn’t sloppy.

The troops, though—they’re something else. Each round gives you a random set of cards, which you buy with gold. No cash? Don’t worry, there’s a free option—but the real goodies are in the buys. It’s strategy on tap. But like I said, not exactly card gaming. More of a tactical drop-off system, if you ask me.

But, okay, here’s the nitty-gritty. While Vanguard Exiles is buckets of fun, the lack of story mode? A bit meh. I mean, sure, the factions are there—dwarves, elves, some cultists—doing cool stuff. But what’s driving them? As of now, who knows? It feels like putting mechanics before story, though I guess it makes sense. Eventually, you’ll need the fluff—the emotional oomph. Balance is also hit-or-miss; some games just tilt it off-kilter. When you know you’ve lost by round four, it’s kinda frustrating.

Tough units with crazy armor? Not a fan. At some point, my guys just couldn’t scratch ’em. Either we need counters from the start, or tone it down. This mechanical snag feels like getting stuck in traffic with your favorite song playing—it ruins the joy.

All gripes aside, I’m genuinely excited about where Vanguard Exiles is headed. Toss in some tweaks and depth, and strategy fans might just find heaven. Keeping an eye on this one. If balance and new features roll in, we might be witnessing something truly great. Ready to see how this all unfolds, I assure you.

This little journey into Early Access land? Done via a copy of the game the publisher sent my way. Fun times ahead, folks.