The fact that Sam gets hurt fast shows how important both the Boost and time-slowing power is. Enemies will be relentless in throwing everything except the kitchen sink at you. Cover that seemed indestructible ends up getting blown away from a huge boss’ giant laser attack, forcing you to Boost to a safer spot at the other end of the battlefield. Enemies who seem vulnerable with their legs already shot off will suddenly rush up to you and explode in your face.

The flip-side is that Vanquish offers many tools and tricks at your disposal. You can zipline at three multiple spots within a few seconds so that you can outflank your foes. Fast enemies can be taken down with a timely slow-motion attack on your side. The ARS meter regenerates pretty fast, which means more showboating opportunities are present. Boosting just behind a giant mech gives you an opportunity to hijack it while none are the wiser.

Grunts on the battlefield aren’t just for show; they do provide support fire. If they’re injured, they’re represented by a green health icon on the top; patching them up will net you extra ammo and weapon upgrades (pick it up to power-up the weapon you’re holding) for your troubles.

I should also point out that Vanquish will be tailored as an arcade-style game where half the fun is getting a high score. Countless deaths on your part, as well as not saving your grunts and not finishing a stage on a set time, will net you a bad grade. Like Bayonetta, Vanquish will be replayed by those obsessive enough to have a score dictate on whether or not you finished the game the proper way. It’s built with that goal in mind because, really, you know how this game is going to end (USA wins, followed by an ambiguous end that leaves room for a sequel).

Currently, it looks like Shinji Mikami  and Platinum Games may have yet another hit on their hands if the full game has as much frenetic action as the demo and preview build. While still using bits and pieces of familiar shooter tropes, this white stallion feels like a different beast thanks to its futuristic acrobatics and graceful presentation of Michael Bay-esque explosions.

Vanquish is coming out for PS3 and Xbox 360 on October 19th (or a few days later after that date)