Vanguard

Continuing to look at different Magic formats, today I look at Vanguard- a format released in 1997-99.

Vanguard is like regular Magic save for one thing: each player plays as a hero, called a 'Vanguard'- represented by an oversized card featuring a hero from Magic's lore. This card:

• modifies your starting/maximum hand size and starting life total
• grants you some benefit
• is not part of the game (and so cannot be affected by spells/etc.)

Two examples:

With Gerrard, your starting life remains 20, but your hand size (starting & max) is only 3 (vs. the typical 7). But what a benefit: you get to draw an additional card each turn.

With Ertai, your starting life is 24, your hand size (starting & max) is 6, and your creatures have hexproof (using the modern keyword for her stated ability).

Does the concept sound familiar? It should- it's reminiscent of Commander. Though the latter doesn't give you any starting hand size or life total benefit (or detriment), and affects how your deck is constructed (in terms of permitted colors to include), it could give you some powerful benefit (but generally only if it's on the battlefield). And a Commander can be affected by spells and effects. So there are clear differences, but the core concept of picking a hero to lead you is the same.

Vanguard was released in four sets of 8 heroes each. See the official site for a full list. 

I've never played Vanguard. I would love to, but since this is so old, finding these is difficult (read: expensive). I've heard that some Vanguard cards or concepts have come up in recent years (see this article and Ral's Vanguard), but it would be cool to see a release focus on this.