Shank 2

 PC
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 143 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 143
  2. Mixed: 68 out of 143
  3. Negative: 22 out of 143

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  1. ZootMan
    Feb 25, 2012
    6
    Hmm....well, the animation IS worth a glimpse, if only to witness the variations in the characters at the outset. Honestly, if you play the first 20 minutes of the game, you're pretty much done on the mechanics at large. The rest of the game is an amalgamation of all the concepts and challenges developed in the first level or two. The combat is flashy...but not substantial. I would love toHmm....well, the animation IS worth a glimpse, if only to witness the variations in the characters at the outset. Honestly, if you play the first 20 minutes of the game, you're pretty much done on the mechanics at large. The rest of the game is an amalgamation of all the concepts and challenges developed in the first level or two. The combat is flashy...but not substantial. I would love to see a 2-d arkham asylum/city combat system translated, and i felt as if the developers wanted shank to be that kind of engaging action. As it stands, its a decent, if underwhelming experience.… Expand
  2. JaydenPickens
    Feb 20, 2019
    8
    A definition of a great sequel. Better controls, better gameplay, everything is great here. Pickens approves!
  3. Funksatron
    Jul 30, 2014
    6
    It's about what you'd expect from playing the first game, but without the charm of being the first game. A solid follow-up, but gets old much faster. Turns out not to be fun enough to justify replay.
  4. AlanComek
    Jan 8, 2013
    6
    The slightly crippled remake of Shank. It's good, I'll give it that, but the gameplay just seems really icky when compared to its superior predecessor.
  5. Jay_Pickens
    Aug 15, 2018
    8
    A definition of a great sequel. Better controls, better gameplay, everything is great here. Pickens approves!
  6. RectalTerror
    Feb 14, 2012
    3
    Shank 1 was a visually stunning 2D beat'em up (not really platformer), with average controls (on PC), bearable difficulty, but a lot of fun, over-the-top (violent) action, and a scenario that was pretty much the one of Kill Bill. Shank 2 is still visually stunning, still offers great over-the-top action, and still has a pointless scenario (but that's not important). What it changes are theShank 1 was a visually stunning 2D beat'em up (not really platformer), with average controls (on PC), bearable difficulty, but a lot of fun, over-the-top (violent) action, and a scenario that was pretty much the one of Kill Bill. Shank 2 is still visually stunning, still offers great over-the-top action, and still has a pointless scenario (but that's not important). What it changes are the controls & difficulty, but only to make them worse. Shank 1 required too many keys (half of them being unnecessary), and it's even more broken in Shank 2.
    But it's in the difficulty that it gets very bad. While the game is slightly more difficult & more frustrating during the "normal" parts, the bosses are unnecessarily hard, very hard, and unlike in Shank 1, require no specific strategy, they're just hard, like in a japanese schmup. If you easily throw your monitor through the window, skip this game, you probably won't see more than 1 or 2 levels of it, and it will be better for your health. If however you enjoy dying a hundred times in a row & replaying the same thing the whole day, then go ahead.
    It has an online survival mode but to be honnest I haven't been able to find anyone playing it.    … Expand
  7. Seryin
    Apr 1, 2013
    6
    It felt to me that while trying hard to step it up and out do the first Shank they ended up destroying the feel that I liked about the first game. I felt like instead of playing I new generation game in a classic style that I actually literally stepped back a few generations and was playing a classic game again. I do not feel the scheme needed to be changed so dramatically. They had theIt felt to me that while trying hard to step it up and out do the first Shank they ended up destroying the feel that I liked about the first game. I felt like instead of playing I new generation game in a classic style that I actually literally stepped back a few generations and was playing a classic game again. I do not feel the scheme needed to be changed so dramatically. They had the feel right before.… Expand
  8. MiyazuHime
    Feb 9, 2012
    7
    I didn't played the first Shank game, so I don't know in which ways the sequel differs. A trailer shows us a bloodbath action gameplay and everything seems so awesome, but after you play a few chapters it becomes a very boring, repetitive game. There is small variety of weapons, only three in each category, but the good thing is that every weapon has it's unique combination of hits andI didn't played the first Shank game, so I don't know in which ways the sequel differs. A trailer shows us a bloodbath action gameplay and everything seems so awesome, but after you play a few chapters it becomes a very boring, repetitive game. There is small variety of weapons, only three in each category, but the good thing is that every weapon has it's unique combination of hits and finishing moves, so you can choose what you like the most. As for enemies, there are few kinds, they use melee and ranged weapons, also there are "gorillas" - that's how I call these big guys, which are harder to kill. In some point you will have to use a minigun turret to kill incoming enemy and some other things to do, which I don't want to spoil. And the gameplay is based on the story, so it's not just a hit'n'smash game. Graphics are really nice, especially when you slice enemy with chainsaw or do counter-attack. But there is one problem with mouse cursor, somehow it won't disappear to some players and is visible in game, so I think there will be a patch to fix this. Despite that, it's not that bad game, which have a big potential, but in current time it lacks variety of gameplay and length of it. But worth the time to play it.… Expand
  9. aksu113
    Feb 14, 2012
    10
    Cool 2d shooting game if you're bored
  10. Basem101
    Jul 14, 2013
    9
    shank 2 has what wasn't in the first one the first game after a while it gets a bit repetitive and the places are kind of similar but this one is amazing so many levels another thing which i liked is you may be chased by a helicopter or a car which was amazing and still the game keeps the amazing visuals present but it is a bit difficult specially the boss battles other than that itshank 2 has what wasn't in the first one the first game after a while it gets a bit repetitive and the places are kind of similar but this one is amazing so many levels another thing which i liked is you may be chased by a helicopter or a car which was amazing and still the game keeps the amazing visuals present but it is a bit difficult specially the boss battles other than that it is amazing and totally a great experience… Expand
  11. headleschicken9
    Mar 16, 2012
    10
    This was the first game of this type of genre that i have and it was a great introduction to the genre for me. The only problems with the game that i had was the i played it on the pc, and to me, the controls felt a little clunky, but this problem can be easily ignored by simply using a gameingpad.Shank2 was a fast flowing game that had stunning visuals, the types of enemy where numerousThis was the first game of this type of genre that i have and it was a great introduction to the genre for me. The only problems with the game that i had was the i played it on the pc, and to me, the controls felt a little clunky, but this problem can be easily ignored by simply using a gameingpad.Shank2 was a fast flowing game that had stunning visuals, the types of enemy where numerous and introduced to the player though out the game meaning that it didn't get boring and also with the addition of the ability to customize weapons this means that the combat style can be varied up again adding to the longevity of the title.… Expand
  12. frast
    Feb 17, 2012
    8
    I do not know how it managed to developers, perhaps simply because number one, but not enough for us to shank 2 is as good as the first part of the game. It is true that it does not give us the same emotions as the first part but it is just great as its predecessor. Again pours blood, wonderful climate and coming shank which is again upset. It is disappointing that the second part does notI do not know how it managed to developers, perhaps simply because number one, but not enough for us to shank 2 is as good as the first part of the game. It is true that it does not give us the same emotions as the first part but it is just great as its predecessor. Again pours blood, wonderful climate and coming shank which is again upset. It is disappointing that the second part does not have a coop because it was a big plus the first part, but makes up for survival for the second My rating - 8.5 / 10… Expand
  13. WingedAnomaly
    Feb 25, 2013
    9
    Viciously difficult, but immensely satisfying. A Devil May Cry in 2D, Shank is anything but brainless action, requiring you to carefully swap between weapons to chain together the lengthy and effective combos needed to slay the game's most persistent enemies. A silly turret section later on proved immensely frustrating, but aside from that, this is a gold standard 2D beat 'em up.
  14. avestavsdante
    Feb 28, 2012
    10
    this game worth a 10 because it shows how a game could change in a good way.the first one is good but shank 2 is a tarantino style and in revenge genre. i like it in every way
  15. JamesHead
    Apr 26, 2012
    8
    Shank 1 was a pretty awesomne game with outstanding and unique visuals. So what exactly does Shank 2 offer? Okey so the Story of the first agme was pretty much finished. Nevertheless Klee Entertainment now will take a look at the past of the protagonist. I guess everyone will understand when i say, that the storyline can not live up to shank 1 standards. Is that bad? not really. So whatShank 1 was a pretty awesomne game with outstanding and unique visuals. So what exactly does Shank 2 offer? Okey so the Story of the first agme was pretty much finished. Nevertheless Klee Entertainment now will take a look at the past of the protagonist. I guess everyone will understand when i say, that the storyline can not live up to shank 1 standards. Is that bad? not really. So what did they change? The combat! Some mechanics have been added, like the counter-attacks, that let you take out enemies in an instant, and the usable weapons feature, which enables you to pick up weapons of your fallen enemies. So Shank 2 has some frantic and mind-blowing combat mechanics. Visually Shank 2 tries to connect to it's prequel, but i personaly think it doesn't look as good as that. But that impresion only regards the cutscenes. The in-game graphics are pretty nice. So if you liked the first game you should play the demo. If you just like 2d brawlers you will get one of the best combat systems that has been developed so far.… Expand
  16. DRiVER_helsinki
    Dec 24, 2013
    10
    Buy the game. There's a part in it where you rip out the jaws of a SHARK!!!!?!>?!??!?!?!??!@#>?@!>?#?@!?$@
    And now this DOES have Co-Op on steam version at least.
  17. Captain_Chaos
    Jun 22, 2016
    8
    I played the original Shank some years ago on Xbox Live Arcade and didn't get around to playing the sequel until fairly recently. While I am disappointed that the co-op campaign of the first game was replaced with a mere wave survival mode in this one, the single player campaign delivers the same sort of experience as the first, a beer-soaked, white-knuckle, bullet-riddled rampage throughI played the original Shank some years ago on Xbox Live Arcade and didn't get around to playing the sequel until fairly recently. While I am disappointed that the co-op campaign of the first game was replaced with a mere wave survival mode in this one, the single player campaign delivers the same sort of experience as the first, a beer-soaked, white-knuckle, bullet-riddled rampage through a grindhouse version of South America, and that's nothing to complain about. I would best describe Shank 2 as a 2D "Stylish Action Game", a term that never really caught on, since people think God of War invented this style of gameplay when, really, Devil May Cry did it first- and better. To be fair, the Shanks are closer in style to God of War, and though there is a combo grading system in the game you can get by perfectly well by mashing the buttons until you have smeared your enemies into the pavement. Shank 2 delivers fast, brutal action, varied weapons and cinematic boss battles, and despite the short length of the game it is excellently paced and good fun to play throughout. I hope this is not the last we have seen of our headbanded hero and his messy adventures.… Expand
  18. Karlsefniy
    Aug 10, 2022
    7
    Mostly similar to the previous game, but total play time is shorter and more balanced imo.
  19. OrangeHeadset
    Jan 9, 2014
    6
    A completely average 2D platformer/brawler game. The cut scenes and the story is quite nice, but the game-play is repetitive and not very innovative. Overall opinion: bland, but worth a try!
  20. pokrishka
    Dec 7, 2015
    10
    This is great as single player game with a distinct B-movie sequel feel to it, which makes it worse than 1st part and at the same time great because it absolutely fits the theme of the series. The survival mode is king, too bad there's just 3 maps for it, but it will prove worth the price for you and your friend if you have 2 controllers. One of the best local coop game I have ever played.
  21. Dr_Radio
    May 12, 2013
    6
    What a massive let-down this was. I finished Shank 1 and went straight on to Shank 2, and i was dissapointed, Shank 1 had a weak but forgivable story, Shank 2 was not understandable. Shank 1 was frustrating but fair, Shank 2 was not very difficult, but some enemis could not be stunned, therefore leading to death. Speaking of death... Dying in Shank 1 gets you INSTANTLY back into action,What a massive let-down this was. I finished Shank 1 and went straight on to Shank 2, and i was dissapointed, Shank 1 had a weak but forgivable story, Shank 2 was not understandable. Shank 1 was frustrating but fair, Shank 2 was not very difficult, but some enemis could not be stunned, therefore leading to death. Speaking of death... Dying in Shank 1 gets you INSTANTLY back into action, but in 2, you have to sit through an annoying loading screen before going into action, and you will die, ALOT. Also, the guns don't auto-aim when launching enemies into the air, like they do in 1, Get Shank 1 instead… Expand
  22. grrrr
    Jun 18, 2014
    5
    Nice graphics. There is certain story. Sometimes controls feel really bad. This is kind of game you hate because you are death and it was not your fault.
  23. Gamer2014
    Feb 8, 2014
    6
    Great game good controls once you used to it you will feel like a real bad ass story line sucks i even thought i could think in other story when iam playing i never played shank 1 though
  24. Tomle1202
    May 31, 2016
    7
    Shank 2 is not an adventure to remember for long, but the experience it brings is undoubtedly bloody, crazy, weird and, best of all, entertaining like the first installment.
  25. jelikey
    Jun 29, 2018
    7
    Hmm....well, the animation IS worth a glimpse, if only to witness the variations in the characters at the outset. Honestly, if you play the first 20 minutes of the game, you're pretty much done on the mechanics at large. The rest of the game is an amalgamation of all the concepts and challenges developed in the first level or two. The combat is flashy...but not substantial.
  26. stop9091
    Jul 1, 2018
    4
    More or less the same experience, with more refined graphics (although the first chapter's graphics were very good already) and higher difficulty (reasonable choice, as the first was arguably too easy).

    However, what I found really disturbing is that they took a terrible control system and made it even worse - in addition to the parade of unnecessary buttons, the right thumbstick is now    More or less the same experience, with more refined graphics (although the first chapter's graphics were very good already) and higher difficulty (reasonable choice, as the first was arguably too easy).

    However, what I found really disturbing is that they took a terrible control system and made it even worse - in addition to the parade of unnecessary buttons, the right thumbstick is now required, too.
    I wonder if Shank 3 will require using two pads at the same time.    … Expand
  27. Melgacius
    Jan 8, 2018
    6
    1 – GENERAL

    Shank 2 is a 2D side scrolling beat'em-up. We play as Shank when he tries to return home but just to find out that everything was messy, their friends were then rebels and his preceptor was kidnapped. Yep, the script is not always very original, but most times there's no need for that when our sole purpose is to hack and slash. The story is told in cutscenes whit interesting    1 – GENERAL

    Shank 2 is a 2D side scrolling beat'em-up. We play as Shank when he tries to return home but just to find out that everything was messy, their friends were then rebels and his preceptor was kidnapped. Yep, the script is not always very original, but most times there's no need for that when our sole purpose is to hack and slash. The story is told in cutscenes whit interesting artstyle.

    Graphics are very cartoonish, and I admit I like the style. Sometimes is hard to see where to grab, or where does a staircase start, but that does not ruin the immersion, it's just some details.

    Every sound is quite well made. The slashing, shooting and even the voice acting is well made. So far, so good.

    2 – GAMEPLAY

    Let's start to take the elephant out of the room. I hate the controls. I hate that even if I'm facing left, my character shoots right because the mouse pointer is facing that direction. I know it's the best way to emulate the double thumbstick, and I also assume it works better than the controller version, but when the screen is packed full of opponents you have no idea where the damn mouse pointer is and is on those situations you need it the most! In a 2D game, if I'm facing right, I want to shoot right!

    Despite that, it's quite fun to slash and shoot all the opponents. You are able to do huge combos that will keep you motivated for a while, scaling up the violence and gore, but then you realize that is enough to spam the swords or the guns to just breeze through every level.

    Every boss may take some tries to defeat at first, but after you understand the weak spots they become easy to kill. Afterall they are just bullet sponges.

    There's a multiplayer mode that seems quite fun but is now empty, and I do not take any joy by playing it alone.

    The campaign is quite short, it took me about 4h to finish and I do not want to go back to the game so, imo, there's not much replay value also.

    3 – CONCLUSION

    I feel that this is not a great game, but is not bad also. Is fun and challenging for a while, but it never gave me that feeling of pride and accomplishment for beating it. I do not understand also why there's no co-op option in it, it would be a blast.

    Since the game is cheap and so easy to find in a sale, I'll give it a thumbs up.    … Expand
  28. shkipermann
    Feb 25, 2023
    7
    {__/}
    ( • - •)
    /つ☕______________________________________________________________________
  29. Amiko_Novich
    Dec 26, 2022
    6
    Shank 2 (2002, PC - Steam) - 6,5/10
    A mediocre beat 'em up with comic book stylisation and plenty of blood. The gameplay is ok, it can be completed in one evening, and there is nothing remarkable about it. On the negative side, there is some disbalance of weaponry: the shotgun and sledgehammer demolishes enemies very easily, including the bosses. And if you are given a sledgehammer only    Shank 2 (2002, PC - Steam) - 6,5/10
    A mediocre beat 'em up with comic book stylisation and plenty of blood. The gameplay is ok, it can be completed in one evening, and there is nothing remarkable about it. On the negative side, there is some disbalance of weaponry: the shotgun and sledgehammer demolishes enemies very easily, including the bosses. And if you are given a sledgehammer only on the last level of the campaign, the shotgun appears in the middle of the game, so the melee fighting loses all meaning. Overall, it's playable, but you won't lose anything by passing over it.    … Expand
  30. Plat1numN1nja
    Jan 28, 2022
    10
    игра очень классная, а если играть с другом в режиме выживания то появляется небольшой хардкор, так как он сложнее основной компании из-за волн противников.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. GamingTrend
    Jan 14, 2013
    68
    I would only recommend this game to those who have attached themselves to Shank's story from the first game, or perhaps the hardcore gamer that enjoys a challenge. The art is good, the mayhem is there: too bad it sometimes feels like you're bringing a knife to a gunfight.
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  2. PC Master (Greece)
    May 16, 2012
    77
    A worthy sequel that handles most of the original's shortcomings and adds a wonderful survival mode… but would have made a more appealing offer, if there was more content and co-op support. [May 2012]
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Mar 22, 2012
    70
    Shank 2 is an interesting platformer with a unique visual style, but gets tired pretty quickly. Extreme difficulty will probably discourage many gamers. [March 2012]
See all critic reviews »