This game can definitely be beat in probably 90min and then it would really feel like playing an animated movie. Vanquish was incredibly stylish and extremely satisfying gameplay wise. From a pure gameplay perspective, it’s a must play. A step above Bayonetta I’d say and maybe I’m bias because it’s more in my genre. It helped it reminded me of Zone of the Enders in some ways and just the pacing and setup of the game in 5 acts and the characters resemble ‘Metal Gear Solid 4’ in such good ways.
The game can be quick or slightly methodical based on your gameplay but it’s definitely high action. I think I played it more slow and methodical as to not die but went high speed when I needed to. There are these shoot-able statues for the sake of collecting throughout the game, so my somewhat careful approach had me looking slightly around for them. Not as meticulous as say if I was playing Uncharted. I did find several hiding spots though. There were times when I played more recklessly that led to more creatively with how I played. It’s curious in these instances I usually unlocked trophies. I think multiple play-throughs are warranted, especially if you want to experience the other guns.
I focused on 3 guns and maxed them all out. I loved the gun mechanics. Reloading was quick but it was more than that, it was smart. For example, I’d have 1200 bullets in my assault rifle, X amount per clip and would unload on enemies, but instead of reloading, I’d switch out to another gun at the moment the gun I was previously using would reload itself. If you kept this up by constantly switching guns, you never actually had to reload. So I kept cycling between my assault rifle and heavy machine gun. It was pretty awesome. Then I had this high energy gun which I’d throw into the mix to keep big enemies down, then cycle out the light guns to finish them off. Add some grenadier work with E.M.P.’s and explosives and you were set! So much fun.
There is a lot of variety in this game too, in the sense of compact and wide level design. It worked very well, I don’t want to spoil too much but I really do think you have to experience it for yourself. There are some QT.E.’s for styled events, but not a lot of them almost just the right amount.
Storyline is there, dialogue is cheesy but it was awesome. The game falls apart in the end story wise because it needs to wrap itself up somehow, so while the mission is complete, the story isn’t over. Maybe that’s a good way of putting it. It simply really becomes quality over quantity. It’s not to say a couple more acts or stages in the game wouldn’t have been appreciated! There are 29 stages in total within the 5 acts. Literally just when I thought I had seen all the enemies by Act 4, I was treated to an honest surprise. It was at that point I simply wanted more of the game. It is setup for a sequel like most games are.
If there is one, I’ll definitely be there for it. Truth be told, I am having a hard time thinking if I should trade this game or not. I really liked it. Going to lend it to my cousin next so he can play through it himself. Due to it’s length I might get my bro to play it.
So that’s Vanquish. I’d say pick it up on the cheap if you can. It’s worth $39.99, that’s saying a lot coming from me. So anything below that is a good value and anything like $19.99 is a steal. It could experience the Bayonetta effect as in within 3-4 months might hit the bargain bins. So maybe just keep your eye out for that and save some dough.
