So… after downloading updates for many hours, then downloading some more, I finally made it into Vanguard for a short while. There is an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) for the beta so far, so I can’t say much until the NDA is lifted. However, I will say that the first thing that struck me is that the UI is almost exactly the same as another game I’ve played (starting with a ‘W’). It’s like they copied all the color schemes and textures directly! Other than the graphics, it is hard to tell it is a different game. As you can see in screenshots, the graphics go for a more realistic look. The races available seem very similar to EQ2 (and I would guess EQ also). Character creation is pretty extensive, but I didn’t play around with it much. Not too long after I got into the game to play a little, they had to take the server down for an update. I’m going out of town until New Year’s, so I probably won’t be able to play again until then.