Mass Effect 2 - The Vanguard @ IGN

IGN discusses the Vanguard class in Mass Effect 2 with Lead Combat Designer Christina Norman:

IGN: What was the most important improvement you felt needed to be made for the Vanguard class?

Christina Norman: We wanted playing the Vanguard to feel totally different from playing a Soldier or Adept. Our mantra for the Vanguard was high-risk high-reward, and we designed the Vanguard's unique Biotic Charge power to enable this kind of gameplay.

The most dangerous situation you can find yourself in when you're playing Mass Effect 2 is when an enemy closes with you. At short range all weapons are incredibly deadly. Most classes do their best to stay far away from their enemies, but Vanguards embrace this deadly style of combat.