PlatinumGames’ dynamic shooter masterpiece, Vanquish, entered the gaming scene with a splash in 2010, garnering favorable reviews and a dedicated fanbase. However, amidst a year dominated by some of the greatest first-person shooter titles of all time, it failed to receive the widespread recognition it deserved. Reflecting on this, one of the developers reminisces about how Vanquish was primed to become a cult classic.
Jean Pierre Kellams, the narrative producer at PlatinumGames during Vanquish’s release, recently shared his thoughts on Twitter, noting, “Someone very smart said that year ‘never be the third-best shooter.’ With BLOPS, Battlefield, and Halo – we were the fourth ‘best’ shooter. Combine that calendar with some bad marketing, and poof – a cult classic.”
Someone very smart said that year "Never be the third best shooter." With BLOPS, Battlefield, and Halo – we were the fourth "best" shooter. Combine that calendar with some bad marketing and poof – Cult classic. https://t.co/Gcc43ibIIo
— JP Kellams (@synaesthesiajp) February 13, 2024
Indeed, that year saw the release of iconic titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops, Battlefield: Bad Company 2, and Halo: Reach, each revered within their respective franchises. Yet, Vanquish stood apart, not merely due to its third-person perspective but also its high-octane gameplay, blending fast-paced cover shooting with fluid movement reminiscent of Bayonetta rather than the traditional Gears of War formula.
While Vanquish has undoubtedly cemented its status as a cult classic, Kellams’ remarks prompt a nostalgic reflection. It’s worth noting that the game has been re-released on modern platforms, addressing previous performance issues and allowing new players to experience its exhilarating gameplay.
In 2010, Vanquish faced stiff competition from acclaimed titles like Mass Effect 2, Fallout: New Vegas, and Red Dead Redemption. Moreover, it contended with prevailing perceptions of Japanese-developed games at the time.
With Capcom struggling through a divisive period with the Resident Evil series, Nintendo focusing heavily on casual gaming, and FromSoftware’s enigmatic Demon’s Souls receiving limited attention, Vanquish appeared to be another eccentric Japanese title of marginal significance.
However, the gaming landscape has since evolved. Titles like Dragon’s Dogma have risen to become cherished classics, and FromSoftware, once considered a niche studio, now commands immense industry influence.
In retrospect, Vanquish may have been ahead of its time, offering a gameplay experience unlike anything else available at the time, and its enduring appeal ensures that it remains a unique and engaging option for players seeking something distinct in today’s gaming landscape.
