Nice core ideas, not enough polish.
After reading about how this got critics excited so much, I had to try playing Vanquish. Here's the summary of my experience.
-The setting is déjà vu. Pretty much like if Halo mated with Terminator.
-The action is crazy. Epiliptic ''I'm having a seisure, Mom'' crazy.
-Controls are extremely precise. Top notch.
-Graphics are decent, we have seen way better. Noticeable especially when stuff explodes.
-Story and dialogue are worthless. First time I turned on Japanese voices in a game so I wouldn't bleed to death from my ears.
-The personality of the Hero feels tacked on. I mean, come on, he takes smoke breaks like Snake.
-Campaign is way to short. 8 hours max.
-Challenges are fun, but don't add much replay value. Except if you still live in the 90's and take pride in beating your best time.
Conclusion: Overrated. This is renting material.
My two cents.