Vanquish

 Xbox 360
User Score
9.6

Universal acclaim- based on 1828 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,727 out of 1828
  2. Mixed: 53 out of 1828
  3. Negative: 48 out of 1828
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  1. JDB4RDR
    Nov 1, 2010
    10
    This is a review of a half complete Vanquish. The graphics, controls, combat cover system and level design is all top notch nothing more needs to be said, just buy the game and see for your self. There are several brilliant set pieces that are amazing and kind of similar to those in Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and Bayonetta. This may not be the best game this year (Red Dead Redemption,This is a review of a half complete Vanquish. The graphics, controls, combat cover system and level design is all top notch nothing more needs to be said, just buy the game and see for your self. There are several brilliant set pieces that are amazing and kind of similar to those in Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and Bayonetta. This may not be the best game this year (Red Dead Redemption, Enslaved, Mass Effect 2) but it is unique and more entertaining than playing Gears of War because the unrelenting action never lets up. I see this as a good thing though I'm sure some of you don't.… Expand
  2. BassChamber
    Oct 29, 2010
    10
    Mikami did it again. Incredible shooter: fast, furious, vibrating, crisp, smooth and beautiful. It is short? no, it is not. It just last what it has to without getting repetitive. A gem you can not let go if you like shooters and top notch quality action gaming.

    10
  3. sias
    Mar 17, 2012
    8
    This game might be over a year old now, but it's a real gem. Third person shooting mechanics similar to Gears of War/Mass Effect, yet much more refined, making for swift easy transition between cover and strafing. Fun, powerful weapons and melee attacks makes each battle an absolute joy to take part in. The story is of course extremely corny and overblown (something about evil RussiansThis game might be over a year old now, but it's a real gem. Third person shooting mechanics similar to Gears of War/Mass Effect, yet much more refined, making for swift easy transition between cover and strafing. Fun, powerful weapons and melee attacks makes each battle an absolute joy to take part in. The story is of course extremely corny and overblown (something about evil Russians capturing a space station shooting a laser beam and killing some Americans, so it's time to fly up there and stop them from doing it again), but I honestly paid no attention to the story as I was too busy exploding robots! Graphically this game is beautiful and has extremely high production values. The sound and high tempo music is very fitting too. The controls are superb and put other 'one-button-for every-action' games like Gears of War and Mass Effect to shame really. My time with Vaniquish was completely bug free too - everything did what it was supposed to and nothing every failed. Vanquish is also quite challenging in a fun way simply because it has checkpoints often and offers you a varied amount of weapons to tackle each situation. THE only real issues I have with the game are the overall length - took me about 8 hours to complete on hard, which is a little underwhelming. Also, the lack of multiplayer was a real shame too. This game definitely would have benefitted from a co-op/horde mode as the gameplay is superb and would led itself well to some multiplayer action. Also, however brilliant the game is at everything it does, it is a little unoriginal and I was never fascinated by the story or the setting. Luckily the gameplay is so good, that I mostly didn't care. If you love fast paced action shooters with superb gameplay - look no further! It's just a shame Vanquish 2 will probably never happen.… Expand
  4. Seabiscuit
    Jun 25, 2015
    10
    Simply THE best action game I have ever played. The graphics are amazing, the gameplay is fast and fluid, with a steep enough learning curve that by the end of the game, you feel like a 100% badass. The story is your usual throwaway Japanese style yarn, but it really is not detrimental to the game. Platinum have created a masterpiece here and it only fills me with sadness that we willSimply THE best action game I have ever played. The graphics are amazing, the gameplay is fast and fluid, with a steep enough learning curve that by the end of the game, you feel like a 100% badass. The story is your usual throwaway Japanese style yarn, but it really is not detrimental to the game. Platinum have created a masterpiece here and it only fills me with sadness that we will probably never see a sequel due to mediocre sales.… Expand
  5. GameZoneXtreme
    Jan 22, 2011
    10
    THIS GAME IS JUST AMAZING!!! By far one of the most innovative games out this year, and one of the most beautiful games I have ever seen. This game starts and never stops. It is a thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you want a new experience, then buy this awesome masterpiece... you WILL enjoy every minute of it!
  6. RoyaleWC
    Nov 15, 2010
    9
    This is probably the best game I've played in a long time. The graphics are fantastic and the framerate is superb and smooth. Cover mechanics are extremely slick and work so well, you won't find yourself accidentally diving out of cover into the firing line of enemies like many other third person shooters. The whole experience is just so extremely fast-paced and fluid. Weapons are variedThis is probably the best game I've played in a long time. The graphics are fantastic and the framerate is superb and smooth. Cover mechanics are extremely slick and work so well, you won't find yourself accidentally diving out of cover into the firing line of enemies like many other third person shooters. The whole experience is just so extremely fast-paced and fluid. Weapons are varied enough for you to find one that suits your style, without providing too many choices to be overwhelming.

    I will definitely be playing through this again on a higher difficulty, and I have not bothered to do that in a game for a very long time! I think this is a definite must-play.    … Expand
  7. drlowdon
    Nov 3, 2018
    9
    The fourth title from the talented Platinum Games, creators of the excellent Bayonetta, Vanquish is a fast paced sci-fi shooter/action title that sees Sam Gideon tasked with reclaiming an orbital space station from Russian terrorists.

    The stereotypical sci-fi plot is actually the games weakest element and is easily ignored for the most part in favour of the games fantastic action and    The fourth title from the talented Platinum Games, creators of the excellent Bayonetta, Vanquish is a fast paced sci-fi shooter/action title that sees Sam Gideon tasked with reclaiming an orbital space station from Russian terrorists.

    The stereotypical sci-fi plot is actually the games weakest element and is easily ignored for the most part in favour of the games fantastic action and unique twist on third-person shooting. Throughout the game Sam will find a number of weapons ranging from the standard machine guns and shotguns to more unusual weapons such as a lock-on laser. Although only three weapons can be carried at once the frequently found weapon crates allow the player to change their set often in order to adapt their tactics depending on the situation. A responsive cover system is also present and its use is vital to survival because Vanquish is a difficult game right from the outset. I died 49 times on my first play through despite the fact that Sam's AR suit slows down time when the player is close to death in order to give them a chance to find shelter. One frustrating element to the combat is the one hit kill mechanic employed by some of the bosses. A visual and audio warning is usually given before they unleash these attacks but it is still irritating to get close to beating a difficult enemy only to make one mistake and be killed.

    What really helps to differentiate Vanquish however is the boosting mechanic. Sam's suit is equipped with a set of boosters that allow him to slide around the battlefield and incredible speed. Boosting allows the player to keep themselves out of harms way but must be used sparingly as it quickly causes the suit to overheat.
    A number of set pieces help to break up the combat and the player will find themselves battling on high speed trains or trying to escape a collapsing freeway during the games thirty or so missions.

    Vanquish may not be a particularly long game, seven or eight hours is a standard sort of time, but thanks to its stat tracking and extra challenge modes there is plenty of replayablity making Vanquish a truly underrated action title that deserves a bigger audience that it has thus far received.    … Expand
  8. LordOFlibertY
    Dec 19, 2011
    8
    well concieved, nice graphics (no framerate or tearing for that matter) and excellent gameplay and animation. Its a pity that the game ended so quickly without any multiplayer or co-op added. If it did I would've rated the game a perfect 10 out of 10 and recommend it too everyone one. But overall this game is the best Japanese shooter out there.
  9. Wolfmanatee
    Jun 14, 2011
    10
    Hands down, VANQUISH was the most enjoyable gaming experience I've had thus far on the XBOX 360. Rather than rattle on about this and that, I'll highlight the highs and lows. POSITIVES: epic soundtrack, fantastic visuals, engaging combat system, complex but intuitive layout/upgrade paths, solid voice acting, and more "holy &#$#" moments than any other game I've ever played. Ever.Hands down, VANQUISH was the most enjoyable gaming experience I've had thus far on the XBOX 360. Rather than rattle on about this and that, I'll highlight the highs and lows. POSITIVES: epic soundtrack, fantastic visuals, engaging combat system, complex but intuitive layout/upgrade paths, solid voice acting, and more "holy &#$#" moments than any other game I've ever played. Ever. NEGATIVES: weapon upgrade system is completely inane (can be circumvented, however, by cleverly swapping out duplicate weapons before upgrading); moronic save system (dying, then restarting from a checkpoint punishes you by removing any accumulated weapon chevrons/upgrades, forcing you to exit to menu screen and reload via the save system unless you want to feel completely underpowered by the final levels); unfortunately incoherent conclusions story-wise--not only did I not understand what, exactly, happened... but I didn't care, either. Up until that point, however, the story does serve its purpose and keeps the action moving along. Despite its shortcomings, VANQUISH is the type of game that will engross and consume you -- if you let it.… Expand
  10. Fickelbra
    Nov 17, 2011
    9
    Dear lord this game was so massively overlooked. It had the duck and cover fighting of Gears of War mixed with actual speed. The game gives you so many options and guns as to how you would like to approach the given situation. I promise if you try this game, you will NOT be disappointed. The only thing I can honestly knock this game over is the way in which you level up weapons. You findDear lord this game was so massively overlooked. It had the duck and cover fighting of Gears of War mixed with actual speed. The game gives you so many options and guns as to how you would like to approach the given situation. I promise if you try this game, you will NOT be disappointed. The only thing I can honestly knock this game over is the way in which you level up weapons. You find weapon drops that increase ammo, which is not uncommon for the genre. To level up a weapon, you must find these drops while having full ammo for the weapon, hence increasing the exp. However, all this really means is that in order to work up your favorite gun, you have to not use it. As bad as that sounds on paper though, it is overlooked by the other great things this game does. Get it. It's like 10 bucks now!!… Expand
  11. tjasian
    Nov 20, 2011
    9
    Its too bad not enough people bought this game, they cant make a sequel from what i hear. That sucks, because Vanquish has got some of the best shooting mechanics of all time! The gameplay/shooting is like Gears of War, but WAY faster, and in my opinion better. The setting on a spacestation is pretty cool. The story is not so cool, but it does an ok job. But who cares the gameplay is soIts too bad not enough people bought this game, they cant make a sequel from what i hear. That sucks, because Vanquish has got some of the best shooting mechanics of all time! The gameplay/shooting is like Gears of War, but WAY faster, and in my opinion better. The setting on a spacestation is pretty cool. The story is not so cool, but it does an ok job. But who cares the gameplay is so good. Hope this helps.… Expand
  12. PowZee
    Mar 12, 2012
    9
    OK, I know this game came out a year and a half ago but all I got to say is"How did I miss it?" . . . On a whim I picked it up at Fry's the other day for $19.95 and i must say it's the most bang-for-buck game I think I ever stumbled upon. It's a fantastic shooter with heart pounding action and huge robot boss fights. Your character is fully developed out of the box, you are powerful, theOK, I know this game came out a year and a half ago but all I got to say is"How did I miss it?" . . . On a whim I picked it up at Fry's the other day for $19.95 and i must say it's the most bang-for-buck game I think I ever stumbled upon. It's a fantastic shooter with heart pounding action and huge robot boss fights. Your character is fully developed out of the box, you are powerful, the different weapons you have to fight with are powerful and feel great. Once you get used to the mechanics your maneuverability is smooth and essential to your survival. My only complaint is that the story kind of ends abruptly, before you ever fight the really badass badguy, and there's no indication of a sequel at the end either. Oh . . . but what a visual spectacle and really fun this shooter is!… Expand
  13. Plasmaneedle
    Jun 6, 2014
    9
    Vanquish's rocket sliding is one of the greatest gameplay mechanics in any third person shooter. It makes the thrilling, fast paced gameplay even more thrilling and fast paced. The boss fights are excellent and some of the weapons are creative and feel great to use. If you like action games you'll love Vanquish.
  14. SciFiRino
    Aug 29, 2011
    10
    Awesome, though a bit "i've seen this before". Doesn't matter how many hour you spend to complete it, you will be stuck to the couch and whishing that the next wave of enemies comes in. The storyline doesn't kill, but it's enough to keep the interest until the "The End" moment arrives. Gorgeous colorful-but-techie-looking graphics, a nice amount of different weapons to use, andAwesome, though a bit "i've seen this before". Doesn't matter how many hour you spend to complete it, you will be stuck to the couch and whishing that the next wave of enemies comes in. The storyline doesn't kill, but it's enough to keep the interest until the "The End" moment arrives. Gorgeous colorful-but-techie-looking graphics, a nice amount of different weapons to use, and looooooooots of enemies to destroy in such creative ways like using your boosters to pass under the bigger ones, then jump behind them and unloading a pack of ammo without blinking. Challenging enough to enjoy the ride. Great battles against the big bosses all over the course. A "must have" and now more than ever at the reduced price. Just a couple of things more: AWWWEEEEESOME Soundtrack and sound effects getting you in the middle of a really-what-the-frakk-is-this-chaos battles. ¿A Con?. After all is kind of a high-tech remake of Gears of War. But, true story, i doesn't matter at all.

    ENJOY!    … Expand
  15. Gunner_Rya
    Mar 10, 2011
    6
    Vanquish is a Japanese game. Naturally, it is high in adrenaline and wants to fire as many missiles at you at the same time as possible.
    Also, as with many Japanese games, it is very silly (insert rocket boots joke here). Good dude bad dude storyline, mixed up with a twist which is more of a slow turn at the end.
    The basic premise is that a Russian bad guy (who seems to like the colours    Vanquish is a Japanese game. Naturally, it is high in adrenaline and wants to fire as many missiles at you at the same time as possible.
    Also, as with many Japanese games, it is very silly (insert rocket boots joke here). Good dude bad dude storyline, mixed up with a twist which is more of a slow turn at the end.
    The basic premise is that a Russian bad guy (who seems to like the colours black and red a lot) decides to fire a microwave at San Francisco. Then you end up on a space ship with robots surrounding you trying to rip your face off. Did I miss something?

    The robots are great enemies, popping heads off is still somehow satisfying after just about every game with robots allows you to pop their heads off and there is some variation with walkers seen in Star Wars Battlefront 2, the silver surfer and Megatron from classic Transformers all taking part. Despite this, I feel as if they underplayed the variation, from the first mission I thought I'd face off hordes of unique robots, but I ended up with an occasional megatron and 95% of the enemies being the same standard model which got very boring fighting 3/4 of the way in.

    The game is excessively short, being at best 5 hours of campaign (an additional three thousand hours for cut-scenes) with no additional game modes - not even multiplayer. Its not even as if the campaign is highly replayable - it really isn't which surprised me.

    Vanquish is not a bad game, it has lots going right for it, but the short campaign and monotony really don't do much good for the 50 dollar price tag it had on release. Despite these shortcomings, I'm awaiting a Vanquish 2, where hopefully there will be some variation to break up the combat, a longer, less cinematic based campaign and hopefully a few new features such as maybe a hoard one to go up against the game's major competitor, the ever present and huge 'Gears of War' franchise.    … Expand
  16. QuiterRaga
    May 20, 2012
    9
    DMC+ Gear of War on steroids.
  17. charlius2
    May 18, 2012
    8
    Totally bonkers.. The story leaves a little to be desired but the game play is so slick.. Nice graphics not alot of replay value.. this is worth checking out second hand..

    good game..
  18. predikador
    Mar 26, 2012
    10
    an extraordinary game, full of frenetic action and speed. Japanese´s product and the clear signal that they too know how to do shooters up to the top.
  19. wesker2012
    May 28, 2012
    8
    Great solid game. Great fast paced gameplay in sci if world.
  20. shprea
    Jun 24, 2013
    9
    If you're looking for a badass, fast paced game with awesome gameplay and set-pieces, then this is the game for you. Vanquish has, without a doubt, the best mechanics and gameplay of any 3rd person shooter I've ever played. In no time, you find yourself sliding across the floor, shooting in slow motion at giant killer robots in space. The graphics and framerate of this game are excellent,If you're looking for a badass, fast paced game with awesome gameplay and set-pieces, then this is the game for you. Vanquish has, without a doubt, the best mechanics and gameplay of any 3rd person shooter I've ever played. In no time, you find yourself sliding across the floor, shooting in slow motion at giant killer robots in space. The graphics and framerate of this game are excellent, which is shocking. In games like this, usually you'd expect the framerate to suffer. However, in Vanquish, it never once dips.

    People complain that the story of the game is weak. However, the issue with this argument is that the story isn't important. The story is just enough so that you have an objective and context. That's all it has to be.

    The other common complaint with this game is that it's too short. This is partially true. The game takes about 5 hours to beat. With that there are bonus missions to tackle, which adds some more length to the game. The game is short and sweet, which is far better than a longer and padded out game.

    All in all, this game is definitely a must play. I'd recommend it to any action fan/3rd person shooter fan.    … Expand
  21. iddqd4
    Mar 17, 2018
    9
    Скоростное рубилово русских роботов, сумасшедшая динамика на пополам с безумной японьшиной. Годная игра.
  22. gamingisgreat
    Aug 6, 2016
    9
    Vanquish is a unique and incredible third-person shooter by PlatinumGames.And when you see that name you know an insanely over the top game is coming.

    Vanquish has you play as a guy with a suit allowing him to slow down time and boost around.The gunplay is great and some of the bosses are incredible.The suit makes the game's great cover system underrated.The whole game is just polished    Vanquish is a unique and incredible third-person shooter by PlatinumGames.And when you see that name you know an insanely over the top game is coming.

    Vanquish has you play as a guy with a suit allowing him to slow down time and boost around.The gunplay is great and some of the bosses are incredible.The suit makes the game's great cover system underrated.The whole game is just polished as all f***

    The framerate and graphics are great too.

    Sound design and Soundtrack are OK.

    My only real complaints are the poor story and the fact you can complete the game in 4 or 5 hours.    … Expand
  23. 22446688Bb
    Aug 18, 2019
    10
    Players control Sam Gideon, a DARPA agent armed with the Augmented Reaction Suit. If the player takes too much damage, the suit will automatically enter Augmented Reaction (AR) mode. AR mode increases Sam's reflexes tenfold, essentially slowing down time for Sam to evade attacks. The player can also manually enter AR mode by holding down the aim button while evading, sliding, or vaultingPlayers control Sam Gideon, a DARPA agent armed with the Augmented Reaction Suit. If the player takes too much damage, the suit will automatically enter Augmented Reaction (AR) mode. AR mode increases Sam's reflexes tenfold, essentially slowing down time for Sam to evade attacks. The player can also manually enter AR mode by holding down the aim button while evading, sliding, or vaulting over cover, allowing the player to target enemies (and their weak spots) easily.… Expand
  24. SKSK
    Jul 21, 2018
    8
    Incredible gameplay and good storyline but short and slightly varied. Overall it was a pretty good experience.
  25. calanga
    Nov 6, 2018
    9
    Very good game, even for a completely new story game, great armor`s, enemy`s etc design, awesome functions in gameplay
  26. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    9
    Game of excellent quality like almost all that comes out of platinum games. Control, visual and artistic section, in general everything about this game is outstanding.
  27. error
    Oct 19, 2010
    10
    Game of the year, everything in this game is perfect, the gameplay is flawless,the graphics are amazing and the history is very good,well done platinum games keep up with the good work.
  28. kylepogi
    Nov 1, 2010
    10
    nice game!!!!! this game is good the graphics are nice!!!! game of the year!! it is like lost planet and gears of war!!! but this is the best!!!!
  29. mazonik78
    Nov 25, 2013
    10
    Simply the best shooter ever! Pure action and acrobatic mecha action, what a great experience, please make part 2! Perfect graphics and gameplay, shinji mikami masterpiece
  30. resumegam3
    Apr 28, 2014
    10
    After the slightly disappointing ( in my opinion) Bayonetta, i wasn't expecting much from PlatinumGames' new game Vanquish. when i got it, though, i was blown away!! everything i want in video games is here: slow motion shooting, big bosses, giant explosions and great graphics. also, one more thing, get out of your seat and go buy it!!! i got this for £4 as well.
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Awards & Rankings

34
#34 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
28
#28 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
39
#39 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 70 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. Absolute Games
    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.
    Read full review
  2. Xbox World Australia
    Jan 19, 2011
    80
    If you like fast paced arcade shooters be it with patchy Japanese sci-fi story with utterly forgettable characters and dialog, Vanquish is your bag.
    Read full review
  3. Cynamite
    Jan 16, 2011
    85
    As soon as you get behind the tricky controls, the killing of the robot-armies is fun. Sadly, the campaign of the action-blockbuster is very short.
    Read full review
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