Dain and I usually buy a copy of all mmorpg's since I collect the boxes. Vanguard is one we won't be buying. The last six months has show me: 1. Sony moving in was a good thing and MS shouldn't be allowed to do MMO's now days; 2. You can't remake a classic (EQ).
Overall, we're not impressed. Main problem seems to be specs. Our mid level and low level computers can't run the game without lag, and if the server reaches 500plus people, we can't even breath. Top line computer seems okay but still laggy. Hate to see what would happen if they had 3k people on a server.
Over 20gigs for a world they haven't finished yet. That's a record, yes?
I think MS tried to rush them because a large part of world is plain and empty but overly populated with mobs as an attempt to make up for it (perhaps). Maybe Sony will let that be fixed in the future.
Still (after six months) trying to work crafting, so no review of it other than ugh.
Combat is a bit on the boring side. Think EQ2+EQ+touch of Daoc. Animations are the worst but some are so down right goofy I couldn't help a good belly laugh. AI is predictable and I think they tried to make up for that by the huge creature populations every inch of world mass so that it might appear challenging.
Some world areas are lovely. A lot of world is taken from RL of course, though you might think you're in WoW suddenly in a few areas (minus the neon look).
The game is definitely group orientated. Rather hard to solo anything and if you want to do and see it all I suggest you plan on playing 5 hours a day for a good year. They state in their faq that they want a group focused game, well they've gone and done it. However, I'm noticing their starting to bend a bit to the whining on forums for more ease of soloing. *shrug*
I do LIKE how they're running their show ingame. Like in older days of EQ, cussing, flaming, poor topic choices, etc, are not allowed. There is usually a GM (Lady and Lords) that sit in the world wide general chats. Mind your Ps and Qs or just learn to be a civilized, well mannered player and you'll have no warnings or suspensions.
Overall, it couldn't capture the EQ feel they seem to have been going for. For those that like long grinding type games, this might be an interesting game if you've the specs to handle it. Try the disciple class if you're into fighting healer types, I rather enjoyed that one despite the hilarious animations.