Sneak Peek: Vanguard Exiles (PC)

Well, here we are again, diving into the world of Early Access. This strange and fascinating place—kind of like rummaging through a garage sale, where you might find a hidden gem or end up with something you didn’t quite bargain for. Once upon a moonlit night—no, scratch that—it was a time when Early Access was kind of like a dumping ground for half-baked ideas. That’s not a diss to all devs and games, just sayin’. Many got called out for leaving projects in limbo while making a quick buck. But now, it’s like the tides have turned, and there’s some sweet stuff coming out on Steam. I’m talking about Vanguard Exiles. Got that warm fuzzy feeling about it, so let’s get into what makes this shiny toy so intriguing.

I mean, it’s not every day you get a game from a Magic: The Gathering brain trust, right? But—and here’s the kicker—it’s not a card game. Quite the curveball. It’s this hex-based fighter that feels like your friendly-neighborhood tabletop game. I’m betting there’s a future version lurking in the shadows that’ll come boxed up with fancy figurines. I’m all over that, honestly, like a cat on yarn.

Now, don’t get it twisted—this saga is still in Early Access. So, let me just say, any grumbling I do is more like a preliminary grumble. There’s plenty of scope for change. RNG—that random number generator thing? Ugh, my eternal nemesis. But really, my gripes are minor.

Picture this: you’re leading a band of mercenaries down a trench-coated rabbit hole. Navigating this maze, room by room, piling up points like a squirrel hoarding nuts for winter. First to eighty points wins. Rooms can boost your gold, buff your team, or introduce you to Mr. Grumpy Bear. Choices, choices—you can’t snag everything, so pick your battles wisely.

Let’s chat about strategy. Vanguard Exiles is kind of like an auto-battler, so your plan of attack is everything. You don’t wanna just throw your units willy-nilly. Hunker down in high-value spots with your forces, but don’t leave the rest of the board wide open like a buffet.

When it comes to factions, there’s the expected mishmash—dwarves, elves, and these creepy cultist folks. Not much backstory yet, but hey, it’s early days. Kind of hoping they sprinkle in some narrative fairy dust later on.

Anyway, balancing? Yes, it’s a work-in-progress. Sometimes things feel rigged, like grabbing the short straw in a lottery. Early rounds can be unforgiving, and if you fumble, it’s like trying to untangle Christmas lights in the dark.

Argh, and then there are those dwarves in armor. Some matches felt like I was pelting rocks at a tank—pointless. Either beef up early counters or tweak that mechanic, because stalemates shouldn’t be my weekend hobby.

End of rant. Despite all that, Vanguard Exiles is shaping up to be a total blast. Some polish, a sprinkle of depth, and it’s game-on for strategy fans. Watching this one like a hawk. Yes, I’m betting on this horse—if they dial things right, it could turn into something phenomenal.

Oh, and a quick note—this preview comes courtesy of an Early Access copy I got from the publisher. Enough said.