Shank 2

 Xbox 360
Shank 2 Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 44 Ratings

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  • Summary: Shank 2 returns with a story of redemption as Shank, a former mob hitman with a dark and vengeful past, is thrust back into action when the lives of those close to him are endangered. Expanding on the original game’s rich and intuitive combat and control system, Shank 2 continuesShank 2 returns with a story of redemption as Shank, a former mob hitman with a dark and vengeful past, is thrust back into action when the lives of those close to him are endangered. Expanding on the original game’s rich and intuitive combat and control system, Shank 2 continues Klei's tradition of making fluid brawling controls and stunningly beautiful visuals that leapfrogs the competition in the 2D side-scrolling genre. The game also introduces an intense new, arcade-style survival co-op mode that has gamers working together to take down their foes, relying on the environment and weapon pick-ups for survival.… Expand

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Shank 2 - Announcement Trailer

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. GameShark
    Feb 16, 2012
    91
    Just because Shank 2 isn't terribly innovative doesn't mean it's a bad game. In fact, it's a total blast. It's ridiculous and goofy and completely over-the-top. If you want something that delivers a totally original gameplay experience, don't bother. But, if you want something that's just a lot of fun, look no further: This little gem will keep you grinning like a maniac. Just like Shank does when he revs up his chainsaw.
  2. GamingXP
    Feb 16, 2012
    86
    Nice, dark and violent sequel with a lot of new stuff.
  3. 3DJuegos
    Feb 13, 2012
    82
    If something works, why change that? Shank 2 is very conservative, but the changes in gameplay are enough to significantly improve the results obtained with the original. Much more intense and varied, after playing this sequel is very hard to return to the past; and this is something that shows the good work carried out by Klei Entertainment.
  4. EGM
    Feb 8, 2012
    80
    Shank 2 takes the old-school, side-scrolling brawler and infuses it with a hefty dose of blood and gore. Crisp graphics, smooth controls, and ballet-like action will give action fans a reason to take a break from Modern Warfare 3 or Battlefield 3.
  5. Planet Xbox 360
    Feb 14, 2012
    79
    Players looking for a side-scrolling game proud and unapologetic for its blunt machismo will get a kick out of Shank 2 and is priced fairly at 800 Microsoft Points.
  6. SpazioGames
    Feb 9, 2012
    75
    Shank 2 is a good sequel, but unfortunately it doesn't heal the wounds of its predecessor. The combat system has improved, with much more comfortable controls and a great variety of choice in the attacks. Unfortunately, once again, longevity is the weak point of the title and even counting every mode available it will fail to keep you busy for more than a few afternoons. Fortunately Shank is a great character: exaggerated and brutal, a combination that makes it really fun to play.
  7. Metro GameCentral
    Feb 12, 2012
    60
    A significant improvement on the last game in terms of mechanics, but still a 2D beat 'em-up that frustrates as much as it entertains.

See all 36 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. ZergoBergo
    Feb 9, 2012
    10
    Shank 2 is in every way an improvement over the original. This goes to show what a talented young studio can do when listening to constructiveShank 2 is in every way an improvement over the original. This goes to show what a talented young studio can do when listening to constructive criticism. To summarize, the animation is better, the handling is tighter, the kills are more satisfying, and dare i say the blood is bloodier. It will bring you much more fun then the the sandwich you could alternately buy for the same price.… Expand
  2. ReviewsFTW
    Feb 9, 2012
    10
    Shank 2 is a little short (running in than less than 5 hours or so) . The story is non existent and you won't really care about the charactersShank 2 is a little short (running in than less than 5 hours or so) . The story is non existent and you won't really care about the characters in the game other than Shank himself who I would class as a 'bad ass' character. Graphiclly it's little changed from it's predecessor, but that's not a bad thing, they look great; taking a cartoon like feel with a brutal yet satisfying combat system, the game looks and feels fantastic and can defiantly overlook the story. There are extras in the game too, you have a survival mode which pits you in wave after wave of enemies on campaign style maps these are a good distraction and are quite addictive. There is coop mode which is the same as it's predecessor but takes everything that players complained about (difficulty etc) and improves on that. It's quite challenging and will clock you in for about 3-4 hours of coop. Overall Klei Entertainment have done a really good job, capturing the really good things in the original Shank and ported them into Shank 2 the game is really something you need to play it's definitely one of the best XBLA titles available at this moment in time.… Expand
  4. Shazalia
    Feb 27, 2012
    9
    As far as downloadable titles go, it doesn't get much better than Shank 2. Building on what made the first game so unique, Klei has crafted aAs far as downloadable titles go, it doesn't get much better than Shank 2. Building on what made the first game so unique, Klei has crafted a game that is more accessible to new comers, while satisfying fans of the original. If Shank 2 stumbles, it does so in its narrative, given that it's essentially none existent. The original Shank had an interesting tale, albeit generic and simple. Nevertheless, Shank 2 doesn't require a Shakespearean tale to motivate you to get from point A to point B. The gameplay in Shank 2 is fairly simple, but deep enough for it to require some skill. Countering and rolling is a welcome addition that eliminates much of the frustration that the previous entry suffered from. Rolling is as simple as flicking the right stick, God of War esque if you will, and countering is done by clicking R2 on the Ps3 and RT on the Xbox respectively. If the option of the Xbox or Ps3 is available, I would insist that one would go with the Ps3 version. The controller is much more suited for the play style in my opinion. The campaign while pretty brief, never overstays its welcome, and there are multiple difficulties to encourage players for a second go around. Normal mode is recommended to new players, while veterans of Shank will derive much more enjoyment playing on the harder difficulty. Shank 2 adds a survival mode that is incredibly fun. Players will take on waves of enemies who increase in difficulty with each progressive wave. While fending off enemies, players will be required to protect three stations. One can also buy items from a shop, such as potions or heavy machine guns to aid you in your struggle. I would advise playing the survival mode with a friend or online with another individual, due to the difficulty in completing it alone. At ten dollars, Shank epitomizes "bang for your buck." Its entertaining campaign won't last long, but there's the survival mode to lean back on. Completionists will be happy to know there are tons of quirky costumes to unlock, with some of them adding an interesting mix to the already competent survival mode. Shank 2 impresses, and anyone looking for a few hours of fun on a Saturday night, or something to keep you busy for a few weeks with a friend, this is your game.… Expand
  5. BlackNastyyy
    Jan 5, 2014
    7
    For what it is, I would say that this game is not too shabby for a side-scrolling beat-'em-up/shooter. That being said, it also has many ofFor what it is, I would say that this game is not too shabby for a side-scrolling beat-'em-up/shooter. That being said, it also has many of the issues that are commonly found in this genre; shoddy hit detection at times and the inability to entertain for long periods of time. The main issue that really ruined this game from being better for me was the fact that the framerate is guaranteed to drop every couple fights. In a game where one error proves fatal, this just leads to frustrating deaths time and time again.… Expand

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Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2012