Half Life 2: Episode One vs Vanquish
Half Life 2: Episode One
Half Life 2: Episode One is the first standalone game in Valve's spin-off trilogy for its game series, Half Life. Featuring a gameplay that closely resembles Half Life 2, its namesake, this game provides loyal fans of the game a nice continuation (somewhat) in the series' storyline. Similar to Half Life 2, this game has a lot more scripted scenes as well as puzzles and strategic combat rather than simply adding in more aliens for you to fight and weapons for you to fight with.Despite its rather short game duration, Half Life 2: Episode One gives its hardcore fans something to chew on as they wait - endlessly - for a Half Life 3. And naturally, being released in 2006, the game has a more polished look. To be honest, it's a great alternative game to Half Life 2.
Vanquish
Vanquish puts you into the shoes of government operative, Sam Gideon, who is part of the elite group of operatives that has their own Augmented Reaction Suit which give them superior firepower, superhuman speed and agility as well as a certain amount of suave as they take down groups of hostile and deadly robots. The combat system in this game is incredibly well-made and unique. Aside from having a bullet time system, it also provides players with a smooth gameplay, be it when they are performing kinetic melee moves or when they are trading gunfire with the robots.However, many players have mentioned about the flaw when it comes to weapon upgrades in this game. Unlike most games, you actually have to be equipping the correct gun type in order to pick up the upgrade cube, which randomly appears. It does provide players with the incentive to keep replaying the game but it can be pretty frustrating if you had to give up picking up a hard-earned cube because you don't have the weapon you need.
Besides this downside though, Vanquish is among the top-most third-person shooters that have excellent, well-designed mechanics. If you enjoy smooth combat and a cool and somewhat Halo-like suit, then this is definitely the game for you!