I feel like I'm playing this game all wrong

[psykofunk]

I just started it up and I've died about a dozen times within the first two checkpoints. I don't understand the mechanics at all. It feels like it should be a fast paced shooter but it actually seems to play like a heavy cover based shooter. There's a ton of enemies, and lots of bullets flying around, so I find it really difficult to even find what I'm supposed to shoot and when I do I have to unload almost an entire clip of the assault rifle just to kill one enemy. I burn up my entire boost bar just trying to safely kill one thing. I've been gaming my entire life and am normally really good but something about this game is just really not clicking with me. Any help/advice for what I'm doing wrong?

[Seamus]

Headshots, man. Headshots. Also, right at the start there's three weapons you can pick up. Grab the pistol.

[psykofunk]

Originally posted by Seamus:

Headshots, man. Headshots. Also, right at the start there's three weapons you can pick up. Grab the pistol.

Yeah I saw the weapon cache but every time I tried to step out to grab one the turret guns that are right above it started tearing me up so I just ignored them. IIRC the pistol is the closest to the door so I'll try to grab it and give it a shot.

[Setnaro X]

You need to be very mobile with this game. Outside of taking cover, you really can't be in one spot for more than a few seconds. Dodging all about while mixing your boost slide is the key to getting around. Actually, one thing to know about the ARS guage is that it doesn't start to deplete during the first second when you start sliding. Use that to your advantage by boosting in short bursts rather than holding it down for a very long period of time. You'll need to use your ARS meter for when engaging into slow motion after all.

The pistol, like Seamus mentioned, is definitely one of the best weapons to use in the game. Plenty of ammo and does insane amount of damage, with most enemies dying in just one shot. However, you can't simply rely on one weapon. Many different weapons are more suitable depending on your situation. The shotgun is a very good one for not only dealing damage up close, but it also stuns enemies briefly. The big Romanov enemies are extremely susceptible to shotgun damage, especially from the back. The LFE gun is also really damn good for destroying large groups of small mooks and it also pushes back the big dudes pretty far back, giving you room to breath.

Overall, try to converse your meter. Don't just boost for a good long while. Dodge constantly as well. Activate slow motion as often as possible when you're in the clear. You can activate it when jump over ledges and also after performing a boost slide kick. Melees are extremely powerful but should only be reserved for when dealing with one big tough enemy as it causes your suit to go into instant cool down. The sawblade gun is the only weapon which doesn't deplete your ARS gauge since it acts as a chainsaw, and that itself is a damn good melee attack because it puts even the toughest enemy in place for a short while, and it also cuts off bits of their arms and legs which leaves them helpless.

Hopefully you find the groove for this game. It's not easy at the beginning, but it becomes exhilirating once you get the hang of things.

[DirtyBoots/3Strikes]

Use dodging more often. This game is pretty challenging, and using cover, while good for some breathing space(and if you're forced into bullet time when you're health is critical), is not going to be much help. And dodging doesn't waste meter too.

Managing the AR meter is also another key to surviving in the game. Never, ever stay too long in bullet time when taking on tougher enemies like the Romanovs, Unknown, or those things that transforms into a robodog with a long tail weapon. AR mode helps you focus targeting better, as well as set up quicker ways to kill(like shooting a grenade while it's still airborne), but don't stay too long in it or you overheat. Dodge around for a bit while recharging, and bullet-time away.

Just watch your meter as well when boosting. Don't just hold it down. Try boost dodging(boost for a bit, then dodge). It'll help.

[Wereriche]

Watch the "Depth, Mastery and Vanquish" episode of Game Maker's Toolkit?

That's how I understood the game mechanics. Also the first time I've heard of Vanquish. :)

Armor Piercing Pistol is so OP xD

EDIT: Maybe check this out too. :)
https://youtu.be/_tysaJyJ1hA

[greentreehold]

I have no real advice but wanted to say that I felt the same. When I first got the game on the 360 it felt arkward to play and robotic. I carried on regardless even though I wasn't having much fun. I just kept on dying, over and over again. I got to the last level until all of the sudden everything click and I felt the groove. Once I completed the game I restarted on the next higher level but now having much more fun. So I just wanted to say is that maybe if you keep playing through the game and persevere, you eventually get it.