Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 61 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 61
  2. Negative: 0 out of 61
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  1. Dec 19, 2010
    70
    There's much to like about Platinum Games' orgy of mech madness.
  2. Oct 25, 2010
    70
    It's fast, furious, and most importantly, fun. So much so that immediately after I finished the game, I started over again on a harder difficulty.
  3. Oct 20, 2010
    70
    Despite its Master Chief and Marcus Fenix guises, Vanquish is ultimately much more Japanese in its orientation than it is Westernised. Unlike MadWorld and Bayonetta though, it just lacks the poised gameplay balancing that could've made it a much more addictive experience.
  4. 70
    Mikami has the basis for a gorgeous, thrilling shooter here. But the wooden narrative, stale mechanic and non-existent learning curve prevent Vanquish from ever reaching those heights.
  5. Oct 20, 2010
    70
    Quotation forthcoming.
  6. Jan 31, 2011
    50
    If you're still itching to waste a few hours on Vanquish, here's some advice: wait until the inevitable price reduction.
User Score
9.5

Universal acclaim- based on 1755 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Oct 23, 2010
    10
    I don't understand why the reviews for this game are so low. Yes, the game is on the short side but so are many more games. To me the onlyI don't understand why the reviews for this game are so low. Yes, the game is on the short side but so are many more games. To me the only problem with the game is that it was so good it left me wanting more. This is seen as the only major issue the game has, but still during the 6-7 hours the game takes to complete you will be in pure shooter nirvana. The great graphics, the welcomed difficulty and the overall sense of mayhem makes this game one of the years best games on the PS3. Full Review »
  2. Oct 19, 2010
    9
    I'm in love with Vanquish. It mashes together everything a hardcore gamer could want: intuitive controls, mobility, balance, a competitiveI'm in love with Vanquish. It mashes together everything a hardcore gamer could want: intuitive controls, mobility, balance, a competitive scoring system, and stylized action. Itâ Full Review »
  3. Mar 26, 2013
    9
    I have been playing Vanquish for a little over two years. Such is the appeal of Shinji Mikami masterpiece, I just keep coming back to it.I have been playing Vanquish for a little over two years. Such is the appeal of Shinji Mikami masterpiece, I just keep coming back to it.

    Vanquish is a polished gem of a game. Everything is rock solid, no glitches, no bugs no crashes. The game inspires confidence as soon as you see these beautiful graphics. And they are beautiful. Real care and attention has been placed on all aspects bun none more so than the Battle Suit. There are so many moving parts and flashing lights, it is a treat to look at and often worth a camera spin to see just how good it looks. Weapons morph into existence as extensions of the suit and are generated so beautifully they deserve a special mention.

    The gameplay is solid. It feels very retro, in the style of Mega Man. You feel overpowered with the control you have over the character as the controls are that good, but it's not long before your control is tested to the max. Once you get past the learning curve it really does become second nature to operate the suit in a heartbeat.

    The difficulty of Vanquish is fantastic. Choose casual and it really is just that. The suit will look after you and the enemies go down like flies. Hard is the path to choose. Trophies are rewarded for completing each level and eventually the game by choosing hard mode. Each Boss has a trick to it just like great retro games of old one you uncover the trick it is a matter of execution. Like I said the difficulty if perfect.

    Scoring is done in the old Sega arcade style over Stages and Acts and scores are posted to an online leaderboard This constitutes the only online aspect of the game and Vanquish is better off for it.

    As you beat the game Tactical Challenges game mode will become unlocked. These are by far the most challenging aspects of the game. The sixth and final challenge is by far one of the most difficult aspects of any game I have played. Based on this challenge only, PS3trophies.org ramped the difficulty level for the Platinum to 9.5 out of 10. So again worth a special mention for those looking for a challenge.

    Vanquish is a truly sensational game and one that you will keep coming back to. Most people I know are put off by the frantic nature of it but believe me it is so smooth and solid that once you get used to the overload it is a thing of beauty. The best game from developers Platinum Games in this reviewers opinion. And it features the single best credits screen of any game.
    Full Review »