f13.net

I noticed over on M-Dollar (http://arstechnica.com/journals/microsoft.ars/2005/5/11/286) that Microsoft revealed its E3 Windows Game Lineup. Among the games are Vanguard: Saga of Heroes (surprising to me, but I've been out of the loop for some time) and Catan Online.

Catan Online looked interesting because I remember that RKDN and several others here were discussing the boardgames Settlers of Catan and some other Catan title as well in the past. I'm wondering if this is an attempt at a PC version of those same games or not. I never played them myself, but I thought some of you might be interested.

A quick MSN search shows that there is already a Catan computer game and that the site for Catan Online (http://catanonline.com/default.htm?c00=0) is up and running and indeed the game will be based on the world-famous board game, Settlers of Catan.

Pointless post? I think not.

"Vanguard" I believe is their post-Mythica hail Mary?  How far along is it?  Whatever happened to that lawsuit(s) from Mark Jacobs at Mythic?  It seemed pretty clear MSFT was ripping them off in name and design. 

Vanguard is Brad Whatsits of EQ infamy attempt at a new MMO.  Mythic won their suit, and at a later point Mythica was cancelled.

Catan is a cool game, but I'd rather play it at a game party with friends than on a PC.  On the other hand, I feel even more strongly that way about Poker, and folks play that online enough.

Vanguard is currently Microsoft's ONLY MMOG investment, to my knowledge. Catan Online isn't an MMOG, it's a boardgame with online play. I'm still not sure if it was the lawsuit or Microsoft's doubt of the viability of MMOG's in general which killed that project. Vanguard is currently in alpha, AFAIK, and is receiving and giving very little press of late.

The Vanguard forums have been pretty active; they claim there will be a lot of info released at E3.  Speculation is that beta will begin sometime this summer.  It also appears that the game will be released on the new x-box thingie.  Vanguard is McQuaid's new game, expect a PvE oriented game somewhere between WoW and EQ1 on the "hardcore" meter. 

Fixed it for you.

hawt

Yeah if you want to look up Vanilla Fantasy EQ Clone Horseshit you'll find Vangaurd listed as a prime example.  Oh and the ss's look like shit too.

Funny.  I thought there was already an online Settlers of Catan client for Windows, with b.net-style matchmatking services and a website where you can see how your scores compare to thousands of other online players.

I was right. (http://www.s3dconnector.net)

Alkiera

  For the longest time, Vanguard was sposed to be PVE only according to my pals. Then out of the blue, one of the guys said it's going to have PVP as well, although not at launch. Raising eyebrows again in my gaming group now that they've hoisted the Jolly Roger.

 Of course, those of you that don't like PVP can completely ignore this post.

Sweet link Alkiera.

Anyone want to start an online Settlers game sometime this weekend with S3d?

It's been a while since I've played, but I used to love the game. I might be up for it. Tonight is Magic though, so it'll have to be tomorrow late (working 2pm-Midnight EST). If I catch you online, sure.