ElvenBenzene Vanquish Review

Vanquish is, in my opinion, the most underappreciated game in Platinum's lineup. It doesn't get nearly the same love as Bayonetta and Metal Gear Rising, but I think it deserves just as much. It's a tightly designed sci-fi shooter with a slew of unique and engaging mechanics that work together almost perfectly. You are given a futuristic suit of power armor known as the ARS. You have thrusters on your knees and in your back, turning you into a human missile (this is important). You also have the ability to slow down time for a short period with a well timed dodge, or by punching a robot in the back of the head. If you take enough damage, the ARS temporarily slows down your time, allowing you to engage in defensive offense to either hold off enemies long enough to recover, or simply kill them. You can rocket into an enemy, kick them in the face, and then use this temporary slow-down of time to shoot explosives and blow up a horde while you move to safety. The combat is extremely free flowing, and relies on you chaining your abilities to maximize their effects. You will master this game. You also have the ability to toss your cigarette into the air to distract enemies and mow them down. This is extremely funny, and shockingly useful. Use this whenever you have the opportunity. If you like Metal Gear Rising's comically absurd dialogue, you will be right at home here. While Vanquish isn't as dense with the quips, when they come, they will floor you. It's a real shame Vanquish was not successful at launch, I would have loved a sequel. There truly is no game like it, and it may be my favorite work of Shinji Mikami's.