Vanquish

Play it on: PS3, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Windows (Steam Deck OK)
Current goal: Resist having a cigarette
Buy it now: Amazon | GameStop

I recently revisited 2010’s Vanquish on Steam Deck and damn, I am hooked. The Xbox 360/PS3 era was unfortunately filled with a lot of mostly forgettable shooters trying to cop Halo, Gears of War, or Call of Duty. But Vanquish…whether you dismissed it as just another cover-based shooter clone or it simply failed to land on your radar, don’t let Vanquish continue to pass you by .

Yes, its environments are packed with waist-high barricades behind which to take cover, but Vanquish keeps you on your toes, poised to take your life if you take too long while hunkered down. Enemies can quickly drop your health to critical levels if you’re not careful, and cover becomes just one small piece in a larger, frenetic combat puzzle that demands quick thinking and precise aiming. I continue to be surprised how Vanquish constantly demands that I pay more active attention to its combat challenges. I can’t just mindlessly go through the motions here, and I’m really enjoying that challenge.

But ex-smokers be warned: Protagonist Sam’s proclivity for nicotine sticks isn’t just in the cutscenes, it’s somewhat of a mechanic…one that might light up some left over, addicted neurons if you’re not careful. Remember, just drink water if you’re feeling the urge, and pick video games over destructive health choices. — Claire Jackson