Pre-Release Overview: Vanguard Exiles (PC)

We’re diving into Early Access again, and I gotta say, it’s like walking into a chaotic art studio. You never know what’s half-painted on the canvas, but it’s kinda thrilling, right? I mean, once upon a time, you’d wade through unfinished scraps and almost-games, with developers sometimes vanishing like Houdini. Sure, not every dev! (Please don’t come at me with pitchforks.) But times are changing, patience is a virtue, and nowadays, we get gems like Vanguard Exiles out of this mess. So buckle up; we’re gonna have a little sneak peek. Or not. Who really knows where this journey will take us?

Vanguard Exiles hails from the brains who brought us Magic: The Gathering, but forget about cards. No, seriously. Picture this: hex-based battles on what feels like your old tabletop setup. I can almost hear the dice clattering already. It wouldn’t shock me if we saw this game in fancy boxes with shiny miniatures one day. I’d probably snag one for myself… just saying. Picture me eagerly waiting outside the store like it’s Black Friday.

Now, it’s a work in progress, so remember: critiques are just about what’s there now. Like, I could groan about the RNG till I’m blue in the face, but it’ll probably change. So, let’s give it breathing space. Even if it bugs me, I’m not the only one who has beef with randomness.

Okay, picture this: you lead a band of mercs through trenches, grabbing rooms and scoring points. Oh, the rooms can give you gold or maybe send you on a bear chase. Yep, a bear. Weirdly thrilling. But, hey, pick wisely ‘cause you can’t be everywhere at once. Choices, choices—it’s all a battlefield in your head.

Some may hear “auto-battler” and cringe. I get it. But here’s the scoop: strategy’s in your moves, not watching bots duke it out. Throw units at the right spots, strategize, rinse, repeat. It’s not as lazy as some make it seem, promise.

You’ve got unit cards for deployment, but don’t hate on them thinking this is poker night. It’s more “plan your next move” kind of deal. Still a blast, I swear.

Now, where’s the story mode hiding? I’m itching to dive deeper into these factions—gnarly dwarves, swift elves, creepy cultists. Sounds like the start of an epic saga, right? Right? I need their backstory like I need my morning coffee.

But balance—it’s tricky. I start a match and can almost predict the outcome within a few rounds. Sometimes feels like trudging uphill both ways. Fixing that could make all the difference, y’know?

Armor’s another hiccup. Some units are so tough, they make Superman look flimsy. Isn’t this frustrating when nothing dents them? I get it, but how about a counter from the start?

Okay, ramble over. Here’s the gist: Vanguard Exiles is stretching its wings. With some polish, strategy fans are in for a heck of a time. Keep your eyes peeled—I know I will. If the developers hit the right notes, this could be legendary.

(By the way, this scout mission was made possible with an Early Access copy, courtesy of the publisher. No bears were harmed.)