Ten Ton Hammer Vanguard Exclusives

SOE: Exclusive ION Interview with John Smedley

Shayalyn — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:37:31 -0400

When Smed Speaks, Gamers Listen!

Very few companies in the MMO game industry can claim the level of recognition Sony Online Entertainment enjoys from products like EverQuest and Star Wars Galaxies. Providing a keynote at this years ION Game Conference John speaks candidly with Ten Ton Hammer to discuss Free Realms, The Agency, and a number of other trends in the industry. Want to learn more about what the future holds for SOE's products? Take a look inside.

We began with discussing how the Real Money Trade (RMT) system of Free Realms will be effective considering they are targeting a demographic (younger children) who typically have no means of income. "We've designed the games from the ground up to keep farming out of the game," he states, "we have a wallet system which parents can give kids an allowance on a monthly basis." He went on to describe how kids are frequently given gift cards to things like iTunes from parents and it provides a way to purchase products online. The business model should work for Free Realms as well.

SOE: Exclusive ION Interview with John Smedley

Dalmarus' Vanguard Chronicles: Dead Horses and Phoenix Ashes

Shayalyn — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:33:52 -0400

What's all the "Fan Faire" About?

This week, Dalmarus discusses a number of topics important to the future of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. What do hardcore servers, game trials, and Fan Faire all have in common? Hop inside to find out!

I've been playing SOE games for almost 10 years now (no laughing about my age, ya whippersnappers!), but I've never gone to a Fan Faire yet. I've always wanted to, but it never seemed the right time. I think this may finally be my year.

Dalmarus' Vanguard Chronicles: Dead Horses and Phoenix Ashes

Vanguard Poll - Party of Conformity: Arcane Casters

Shayalyn — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:18:38 -0400

Non-Conforming Casters?

Game play within Vanguard: Saga of Heroes generally encourages not only grouping, but also gathering a traditional group of tank, healer, crowd control, and nukers. Non-traditional groups have proven they can do well in the past, so Dalmarus has brought the topic to its extreme in an effort to see just which class has got what it takes to ignore all others.

They can feign death, mez targets, or send their targets running away at light speed. Combine this with the toughest pet in Vanguard, the ability to resurrect corpses to fight for them, plus an impressive array of possible minions, and you have a serious contender on your hands.

Vanguard Poll - Party of Conformity: Arcane Casters

Vanguard: Creative Caption Rumble: May - Week Two

Shayalyn — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:48:59 -0400

Can You Make a Funny?

The time has come to see who has got the goods in the funny department. Each week, Dalmarus will challenge you to create the funniest caption for a chosen screenshot from Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. At the end of each month, the weekly winners will battle it out to see who shall reign supreme. Have you got what it takes to capture the crown?

Vanguard: Creative Caption Rumble: May - Week Two

Vanguard Monster Project: Archmagi Murgar

Shayalyn — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:35:06 -0400

Another Scary Monster

The exploration of Trickster's Haven is almost complete. Or is it? Within the caverns of Trickster's Haven lies a hidden portal to the Cyclops Palace filled with riches and horrors alike. This week, Dalmarus brings you Archmagi Murgar, a Cyclops of untold power. Has your group got what it takes to take this behemoth down and claim his riches?

Vanguard Monster Project: Archmagi Murgar

Vanguard Spell List Rebuild Project - Rogue: Level 1 to 25

Shayalyn — Tue, 13 May 2008 01:55:08 -0400

Backstabber Skills - Inquire Within!

Rather than just a standard Spell List Update, Dalmarus has decided to tackle the task of rebuilding the Vanguard: Saga of Heroes spell lists by adding spell icons and more detailed information for each spell.

What class was chosen for some update love this week? The Rogue!

Vanguard Spell List Rebuild Project - Rogue: Level 1 to 25

Dalmarus’ Vanguard Chronicles: It’s Party Time

Shayalyn — Sun, 11 May 2008 20:57:08 -0400

All the News that Fits, He Prints!

This week, Dalmarus makes sure players are aware of a few pieces of news that will affect the Vanguard: Saga of Heroes community. Chracter transfers, developer polls, and party discussions. What more could you ask for?

The poll revolves around what the players would like to see happen in regards to the new faction system being implemented with the release of Game Update #5. Please read the entire post before voting.

Dalmarus’ Vanguard Chronicles: It’s Party Time

Vanguard Poll: Party of Conformity: Healers

Shayalyn — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:16:40 -0400

I'm for the All-Cleric Group

Game play within Vanguard: Saga of Heroes generally encourages not only grouping, but also gathering a traditional group of tank, healer, crowd control, and nukers. Non-traditional groups have proven they can do well in the past, so Dalmarus has brought the topic to its extreme in an effort to see just which class has got what it takes to ignore all others.

A single Blood Mage by itself is a force to be reckoned with. Now imagine a full group of six Blood Mages working in unison. Yeah, I shivered for a moment too.

Vanguard Poll: Party of Conformity: Healers

Vanguard: Creative Caption Rumble: Week One

Shayalyn — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:22:44 -0400

Kapshuns Aren't Just for Kittehs

The time has come to see who has got the goods in the funny department. Each week, Dalmarus will challenge you to create the funniest caption for a chosen screenshot from Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. At the end of each month, the weekly winners will battle it out to see who shall reign supreme.

Have you got what it takes to capture the crown?

Vanguard: Creative Caption Rumble: Week One

Vanguard: Trickster's Haven Guide #10: Escape from the Room

Shayalyn — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:47:07 -0400

Questing is Dangerous Business

For Dalmarus, The Buried Gallery of Al'Rahid is one of the most fun dungeons within Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. Virtually every player has heard tales of this dungeon whispered on the wind each night, though they may not have known it by this name.

More proof has been discovered in the form of a gnome that The Room of Dreams is nothing to be trifled with. Even if you think he should help himself for getting in this mess in the first place, the set of boots you'll receive in reward are well worth the effort.

At this point, I dearly wanted to ask our new friend, Ipon, if Azzad had sent him here, but I simply didn't have the heart to find out if I was being set up.

Vanguard: Trickster's Haven Guide #10: Escape from the Room