Vanquish is a third-person shooter focusing on cover tactics, similar to Gears of War, but it is also the first game to have those concepts developed by a Japanese team. The player assumes the role of Sam Gideon, a DARPA member who battles with the new ARS (Augmented Reaction Suit) system battle-suit, which allows him exceptionally rapid reflexes and maneuverability and was inspired by the 1970s anime television series Casshern. The story is set in the future. After seizing control of the Russian government in a coup, the Order of the Russian Star hijacks an American space station dedicated to developing solar energy. It used it to destroy San Francisco, declaring war on the United States. They demanded unconditional surrender, or they would beat New York City as well. Gideon is dispatched to stop them. Throughout the game, Gideon collaborates with a military task group led by Robert Burns. The computer AI commands the military unit. They offer assistance, and Gideon can resurrect them if they die. Elena Ivanova, who tracks the suit and gives environmental information, assists Gideon from a distance.
Gideon’s outfit allows for extremely fast-paced gameplay. He can boost slides to new locations with cover and has a powerful melee strike. The emphasis, though, is on ranged weaponry. Some of the bouts are also presented as in-game cinematics, demonstrating aspects of the suit’s capabilities (such as flying) that the player cannot access. Health is automatically replenished, but if too much damage is received, the game enters an Augmented Reality (AR) mode in which all action is slowed down, akin to bullet time. More precise firing is feasible during that brief time frame, and there is some time to seek cover, but health is crucial. AR can also be activated manually, which depletes the suit’s power. Sliding also drains it, so Gideon must frequently find a safe area to restore the case before it overheats.
Assault rifles, heavy machine guns, disk launchers, lock-on lasers, sniper rifles, rocket launchers, and LFE guns. Regular and EMP grenades are also available. All guns have a limited supply of ammo, although there are numerous pods where new ammo or a weapon can be switched. A maximum of four weapons can be carried at any given time. Players are encouraged to keep their guns because they can be modified for more significant damage or more ammo storage. Stationary turrets can also be confiscated. Almost all of the adversaries are robots or mechanized organisms. In addition to traditional foes, more enormous bosses with indicated weak areas must be targeted. Regular adversaries have them as well, generally on their back, and targeting them kills them faster. Minor Quick Time Events occasionally occur during more enormous bouts.
The game is divided into five chapters, each with around seven acts, and cutscenes help to progress the tale. To stay alive, most missions necessitate continual movement and evasion. A single sneak task and a few on-rails parts with a vehicle are also included.
