Vanquish Preview
To me, third-person shooters have shown more in the way of innovation this generation, which is why I’ve been anticipating a taste of Vanquish for quite some time. After playing the demo, perhaps it’s best to describe Platinum’s over-the-top title as an all-out blastfest that takes the basic concepts behind Gears of War and implements more flash, more speed, and even more depth. It’s not quite as polished as I would’ve liked – I have questions about the AI and overall style – but above all else, this one is about the gameplay. Yeah, there’s a story, and there’s even a bit of upgrading freedom involved, but…well, just dive in and shoot. Seriously. Get moving. The best part about Vanquish is that ceaseless action, which grips you by the throat and never lets go. The demo barely gives you a chance to breath.
If you’re looking for a more strategic approach to futuristic battle, don’t bother signing on for this particular adventure. But if what you desire is a cross between Bayonetta and Gears, with blinding speed and nonstop insanity, you’ve found your game. You can opt to try the tutorial before setting out on your gameplay sample, and you should probably take advantage. That’s where you’ll learn all about standard control and how to effectively handle that nifty AR suit; a simple press of the L1 button while dodging enables a bullet-time-esque skill that proves invaluable on the battlefield. Also, just pressing the L2 button while moving enables that drastic sliding you’ve probably seen before. You can snap into cover with a press of the Square button, reload and nab upgrades, ammo and new guns with R2, switch between weapons with the directional pad, aim with L1 and fire with R1. You can change the shoulder button assignments, too.
Then when you start, you’re instantly involved in a massive gunfight that includes what appears to be a mini-boss and a giant end boss, which will require most of your skill to defeat. General movement is smooth and simple, as is most every action. The control mechanic itself isn’t exactly challenging; it’s stringing it all together seamlessly that will take some practice. And considering the team at the helm, this doesn’t surprise me. They’ve produced yet another game that will reward the dedicated, as executing a perfectly-timed slide, “time-slow,” and melee attack will prove to be uber-fulfilling. I also like the fact that it’s not all about silly insanity: you have to manage your AR suit, because excessive sliding, the use of the bullet-time skill, and even melee attacks cause it to heat up. It heats up rather quickly, too, and when it overheats, you have to wait until it cools down. This requires that you think about a plan of attack, so to say it’s all about mashing buttons would be incorrect and a disservice to the developers. Let's be fair.
Everything really feels seamless and explosive. I definitely enjoyed the atmosphere and sheer number of bullets and enemies/allies on the screen at once. However, I do wonder about the AI, as they didn’t seem to do much in either of my play-throughs, especially in regards to the boss. So why should I bother to patch them up when they fall if they suck…? I’m also not sure how the story and voice acting will go over with critics; I get the “cornball” sensation that is common in Japanese productions but doesn’t really get a lot of praise from Western gamers. Still, I sort of liked Sam’s cocky attitude…I’d have to punch him if I met him at a club, but in this situation, he’s perfect. Then there’s the standard cute tech chick (‘cough’ MGS ‘cough’) with the 183 IQ and short skirt and the huge, grizzled veteran with a minigun. Yeah, of course. In Vanquish, all of that seems to work. As for the graphics, I noticed nothing in the way of inconsistencies; it’s not the greatest presentation, but it’s pretty solid. Not the most colorful, but great detail in the characters and environments.
I still worry my compatriots will prove almost useless, and I get the feeling the action might sometimes feel overwhelming in the final product but beyond that, I’m fairly convinced that Vanquish will be well worth playing.
9/1/2010 Ben Dutka
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Comments (77 posts)
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 9:49:15 PM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 10:34:56 PM
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LegendaryWolfeh
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 11:37:55 PM
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LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 11:49:26 PM
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LegendaryWolfeh
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 12:58:46 AM
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Underdog15
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 10:03:22 AM
The open BETA test going right now is for PC only. You still may be invited for the PS3 testing, but a date for that is yet to be determined.
Right now, if you wish to be in the PC open BETA, you have to manage to sign up for a key when the take it off suspend. Try back every hour to sign up for Open BETA. Eventually it'll work. But as of this moment, they have put distribution of keys on suspend.
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Alienange
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 12:47:22 PM
1 up, 0 down
LegendaryWolfeh
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 4:10:25 PM
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LimitedVertigo
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 5:46:29 PM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 9:47:49 PM
Reply
2 up, 2 down
piratedrunk
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 9:57:07 PM
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BikerSaint
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 10:15:06 PM
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But now that I've had the chance to demo it, wow what a big change the demo is from those trailer.
The graphics look a lot better(although I still wish they had done away altogether with the blur-filter, and a bit brighter cause I could hardly see the ammo boxes(but I can probably fix the brightness myself).
There's a learning curve alright, I kept getting bombarded by big daddy crablegs while trying to remember the correct buttons to do the Electric Slide, power my AR suit, & grab the bigger guns & grenades. But I think after an hour's play, I'd probably have the controls down pat.
SO overall, I was very pleasantly surprised with Vanquish, and I'll be putting this one into my "gotta get" list.
1 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 10:32:01 PM
1 up, 0 down
Oxvial
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 10:38:22 PM
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Temjin001
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 10:40:19 PM
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But I agree that the stylization suffers. Bayonetta better fused style and combat in a world that seemed entirely synergistic.
I know they're both different games, but Platinum Games appears to be creating an over-the-top fast action identity for themselves that is apparent in both their games, but this time, they don't seem to have nailed it with Vanquish as they had before.
I think the military element of Vanquish somewhat offers a more rigid and less free environment to express style.
The dialogue is also campy-anime'ish that sorely pales in comparison to the current game I'm playing, Assassin's Creed 2.
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NoSmokingBandit
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 10:47:47 PM
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godsman
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 10:58:53 PM
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SvenMD
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 12:05:08 PM
So vivid....so intense.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN!!!!
It's starting to look like a triple demo!!!
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main_event05
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 11:17:22 PM
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Ben, have you been recording my TGS predictions and wagers??
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 11:36:59 PM
1 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 12:15:09 AM
1 up, 1 down
main_event05
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 12:24:11 AM
1 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 3:39:15 AM
Peace.
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WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 11:36:32 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 12:14:48 AM
2 up, 1 down
Temjin001
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 1:11:32 AM
*I never played Shatter but it just seems wrong*
0 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 1:27:19 AM
I did enjoy the buttscooting and pulling off some tactical badassery. Can't say I'm not always interested in seeing the reception though. I'm not feeling Mikami in this demo though. Certain amounts of swift arcade style battle (Devil May Cry) are okay but this thing reeks of "Pew pew pew." I can't hang with it myself. It probably would have given me a hardon if I was 13 though.
And what's with the guy trying so hard to sound like Spike Spiegel?
2 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 10:17:55 AM
But IGN has always registered as a big "whatever" for me, anyway.
1 up, 1 down
Highlander
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 11:40:18 AM
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sunspider13
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 12:08:53 PM
It's because it's the guy who did the voice for Spike in the dub of Bebop.
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WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 2:17:25 PM
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LegendaryWolfeh
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 11:44:57 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 1:32:23 AM
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BikerSaint
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 12:07:19 AM
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I hated all the trailers & thoght it was going to be nothing more than a giant hectic blur-fest so I was pretty negative going in, but after trying out the demo, it's was so much better, and it has sold me.
So I'd say just DL it for your own peace of mind as to whether you'll like it or not.
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Kiryu
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 1:25:01 AM
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WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 1:29:04 AM
2 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 1:34:34 AM
Reply
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 10:24:25 AM
But it's not as polished as Gears. There are a few quirks and iffy factors; some are technical, and some are Japanese-centric. It won't be a better game than Gears 2 (pretty sure), but I might have more FUN with it. Hard to say.
And again, I will reiterate: NOTHING tops Uncharted in the TPS category.
1 up, 1 down
Akuma07
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 2:14:29 AM
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Didnt seem to bring anything new to the table, but then again this is the one and only level we have seen of this game.
I enjoyed it, will probably purchase.
My one and only dissapointment is the melee combat.
0 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 10:20:53 AM
I'm sorry, I must've missed the other third-person shooters where I could slide for half a mile, melee the hell out of someone, and execute bullet-time while dodging...I guess I don't get the comment. 'scratches head'
2 up, 2 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 4:41:36 PM
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 5:32:11 PM
1 up, 0 down
Qubex
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 2:36:52 AM
Reply
Q!
"play.experience.enjoy"
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WolfCrimson
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 3:36:47 AM
Reply
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Lawless SXE
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 3:46:06 AM
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Peace.
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Lotusflow3r
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 5:23:08 AM
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My main concern is how fast it becomes boring.
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___________
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 6:33:56 AM
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BIG DEAL!
speaking of TGS hideo is announcing one of his new games apparently, wonder if it will be that "taboo" title!
one things for sure though, i freaking cant wait to get some new TLG info!!!!!!!
i hope someone does a live feed of TGS, not like gamescom!
reading about these things is no where near as enjoyable or exciting as watching them.
plus if we wait for sony to pop them onto the PSN will be waiting till Christmas!!!
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Amazingskillz
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 9:56:08 AM
Reply
Last edited by Amazingskillz on 9/2/2010 9:59:52 AM
2 up, 1 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 10:18:47 AM
And as it was basically one of the first benchmark TPSs of the generation, it's always a measuring stick. Uncharted has definitely surpassed it since, but nobody will compare Quantum Theory or Vanquish to Gears; the art style is too different.
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 9/2/2010 10:19:14 AM
2 up, 2 down
Amazingskillz
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 9:57:26 AM
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1 up, 1 down
big6
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 10:19:46 AM
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Likes:
-- option to choose different spoken and subtitled languages! (awesome stuff)
-- great graphics
-- cool style
-- very Gears-like, but without the slow clunkiness
Dislikes:
-- the camera isn't as smooth as I'd like. Seems a bit clunky. (<30fps?)
-- English voice-overs such, as expected.
-- auto-aim is SUPER annoying, because when you're trying to lock-on to target after target quickly, the camera just completely misses... this needs to be fixed.
Still, overall, I quite like it. I'll most-likely be picking this one up.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 10:21:45 AM
1 up, 0 down
big6
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 11:41:13 AM
Oh, some other pluses that I forgot to mention:
-- quick sliding to take cover.
-- bullet-time slow-mo when your health is low (slick!)
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 12:10:14 PM
0 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 1:03:05 PM
Ben said it thought, Auto Aim is for chumps. ha
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NazzyQ
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 10:27:19 AM
Reply
Last edited by NazzyQ on 9/2/2010 10:32:44 AM
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ColTater
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 11:20:37 AM
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big6
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 11:37:41 AM
Vanquish is a faster-paced Gears with a Japanese flavour.
However, adding Japanese flavour is a double-edged sword. You get cool style and camera angles (almost an upskirt shot in there?), but you also get crappy English voices and dialogue!
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coverton341
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 11:46:49 AM
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Kokushi
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 11:53:54 AM
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the circle when you aim is too small, i dont know if is me but to use the sniper rifle i have to see where is the enemy first, then aim and then put the aim closer to shot.
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TEG3SH
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 12:05:02 PM
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0 up, 1 down
Jawknee
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 1:01:13 PM
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Also, for those who are interested, there is a nice little Easter egg. When taking cover press the L2 button. ha
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big6
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 2:34:30 PM
I still don't know how to manually reload my weapon. I'm not one to read manuals or instructions... haha
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LegendaryWolfeh
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 4:12:00 PM
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Alienange
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 1:11:54 PM
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1 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 3:09:08 PM
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While I didn't detect this myself, the video measures that the 360 version isn't v-synced and contains screen tearing; something that is not present at all in the PS3 version.
While DF claimed the overall average frame-rate was just a touch lower on PS3 than 360, it has to be a very minimal discrepancy as both versions bounced between 26-30fps pretty regularly, from what I could tell.
While DF claims that the 360 edition felt just a hair more responsive, I couldn't disagree more. I was feeling the complete opposite. Without measuring actual latency I can only assume it's a preference of controller.
Right now, my money is on the PS3 version.
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Highlander
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 3:44:06 PM
I'd have thought that the screen tearing is a confirmation that a) the 360 is not v-sync'd and b) the 360 version doesn't consistently achieve 30 frames per second, or else they would enable v-sync and have no tearing. The fact that the PS3 does not suffer tearing indicates that v-sync is enabled to lock the game to a specific refresh cycle - presumably 30 frames per second.
Last edited by Highlander on 9/2/2010 3:51:34 PM
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Maiq The Liar
Thursday, September 02, 2010 @ 5:26:21 PM
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pillz81
Saturday, September 04, 2010 @ 12:03:04 PM
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It would have been nice to have some checkpoints during the boss battle. Every time I died it went straight to the beginning of the fight.
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LimitedVertigo
Reply
Wednesday, September 01, 2010 @ 9:47:15 PM
Oh and after spending 30minutes refreshing 10tabs in hopes of securing an open beta code for FFXIV the server went down. Did anyone have luck getting one?