Preview: Vanguard Exiles (PC)

Alright, let’s dive right into this Early Access situation. Seriously, it feels like my home away from home. There’s just something weirdly thrilling about watching a game piece itself together. Remember when Early Access was like the Wild West? A dreamy wasteland of half-baked ideas, where some devs just ghosted, leaving you with an eternal beta? But not everyone, of course, don’t get me wrong. Anyway, that fog’s lifting lately, and hello to Vanguard Exiles — this game’s already got me on edge.

Now, full disclosure: the brains behind this game also cooked up Magic: The Gathering. Yep, major mind power. But don’t expect any cards lying around — because imagine this: a hex-based brawler feeling all tabletop-y. If they packaged it with miniatures someday, hey, I’d queue up right now.

Quick detour on why this game’s intriguing: it’s rough, early days here. It’s in Early Access — meaning loads can change, right? Any grumbles I’ve got are just minor beef. And yeah, random number generators can be moody.

Picture this: you and your band of mercenaries digging through trenches, claiming rooms. Each one has some sneaky surprises. Hear this: you might gain gold, boost your crew, or face a very annoyed bear. Such a delicate dance. It’s basically strategic scrambling, and you’ll have to be pretty picky about your turf.

But here’s where things get interesting — it’s an auto-battler. I know, a bit like Marmite for some of you. The thrill? Placing units strategically, like chess in chaos, and hoping it doesn’t just crumble.

Honestly, this game’s downright fun. But flip side? No story mode. We’ve got factions — dwarves (armored tanks), elves (speedmeister), cultists (creepy but captivating) — but what’s the scoop? Who are these guys really? We need that storyline jazz to spice it all up. Visuals aren’t enough, storytelling’s key, right?

Back to mechanics: you can tell early if you’re doomed or destined for glory. Balancing feels, well, unbalanced. Some matches have a harmony to them, others feel like you stepped on Lego barefoot — just punishing. Early failures and you might as well fold and retry.

Ugh, unkillable units? The dwarf armor’s ridiculously tough. We get it, armor’s cool, but not if it leads to constant stalemates. Fix this before I lose my marbles, okay?

Honestly, apart from my silly gripes, waiting on the team’s next moves. Watching this development unfold is exciting. If they nail the tweaks and depth needed, Vanguard Exiles could genuinely shake up the strategy scene.

FYI, this impression’s based on an advanced look courtesy of the publisher. Fingers crossed for more awesomeness down the line!