Today Sony Online Entertainment released details on the special features and exclusive items available for early-bird fans that purchase the pre-order and Collector's & Guild editions of their latest entry in the MMORPG genre, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes.

In an attempt to lure gamers in for the long haul, a large list of features and items come with the pricier Collector's & Guild edition of the game. If you’re ready to invest $89.99 in the game and make the commitment, you’ll get:

• An art book featuring original pieces by fantasy artist, Keith Parkinson.
•  A cloth map with an overview and points of interest for each continent.
• Vanguard: Saga of Heroes soundtrack on CD.
• One of three Hero Cards, each granting a stat increasing cloak: The Jeric card grants a cloak that increases adventuring stats, the Eila card grants a cloak that increases crafting stats and the Idara card grants a cloak that increases diplomacy stats.
• A magical wand to create fireworks or a set of horseshoes which can be used to boost the speed of your first horse.
• A three month subscription to Vanguard: Saga of Heroes Station Players
• A Guild Kit which includes: An in-game guild trophy that buffs stats for your entire guild and Ten 10-day buddy keys to get your friends to join you

The pre-order copy at retail includes:

• Ability to log on 3 days prior to the official launch.
• A scroll that provides an endurance buff, allowing your character to sprint for longer periods of time.
• Guild Mail recruitment tool to help you build your guild before launch.

You'll also receive an invitation to participate in the open beta of the game. However, we’re a bit skeptical about how good this offer will be as eligible participants and dates for the open beta have not been determined yet.

Touted as the first successor to the popular EverQuest series, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes is scheduled to release in the first quarter of 2007.

October 13, 2006