Shank 2

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 44
  3. Negative: 12 out of 44

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  1. 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 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 isFor 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
  2. 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 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.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 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
  3. 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 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.
  4. 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 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 combatShank 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

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. NZGamer
    May 14, 2012
    79
    Shank 2 is high energy, gleeful violence. Over the top perhaps, but it's a game that knows what it is and revels in it.
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  2. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Apr 2, 2012
    80
    Another gem on XBLA. [Issue#83, p.103]
  3. Quarter to Three
    Mar 20, 2012
    80
    With the emphasis on fighting, the co-op survival mode is a great way for two players to jump right into the combat, defending piles of supplies from waves of attackers and earning money to buy power-ups. Since it's on a single screen, this is about as perfect a local co-op game as you could ask for.
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