Shank

 Xbox 360
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 50
  3. Negative: 1 out of 50
  1. 1UP
    Oct 21, 2010
    100
    Shank is the freshest, most unequivocally rewarding beat-em-up game to come along in almost a decade.
  2. TeamXbox
    Oct 21, 2010
    91
    The gameplay is exceedingly simple.
  3. Joystiq
    Oct 21, 2010
    90
    What I'm saying to you is that Shank is so fun that it's actually a cure for murder, and if that's not worth 4.5 stars, what is?
  5. Kombo
    Oct 21, 2010
    90
    With its incredible art and entertaining gameplay, Shank stands near the apex of what downloadable gaming is all about.
  6. Official Xbox Magazine
    Oct 21, 2010
    90
    Aside from some minor control annoyances - like the same button used for multiple actions (such as blade attacks and item pick-ups) - Shank's craftsmanship is largely impeccable. It's one of 2010's most memorable and exciting action games. For $15.
  7. Console Monster
    Oct 21, 2010
    90
    If you are looking for a high action, blood splattering, combo driven game that you can enjoy alone or with friends, Shank is definitely the game for you.
  8. Totally360
    Oct 21, 2010
    85
    Overall Shank is one of the best beat 'em up titles to come out in a long time
  9. Destructoid
    Oct 21, 2010
    85
    Its sometimes aggravating difficulty might not be for everyone, but anyone looking to bring back that warm, pit of your stomach feeling of playing Double Dragon for the first time needn't look any further.
  10. Gaming Age
    Oct 21, 2010
    83
    This is the Saturday morning cartoon your parents wouldn't dare let you watch, the closest thing to Venture Bros. becoming a video game, and one of the highlights of this year's downloadable titles. The only thing it's missing is a lot of limbs falling off and decapitation, but that's what sequels are for, right?
  11. Game Revolution
    Oct 21, 2010
    83
    Shank's unassuming style and blatant old-school influence make it a must-have for fans of games like Gunstar Heroes, Double Dragon, and Contra. No matter what, vengeance must be yours.
  12. Games Master UK
    Jan 20, 2011
    81
    "Quotation Forthcoming"
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Video Game Talk
    Jan 20, 2011
    80
    There's also a value question around Shank. Before spending the $15, you really need a qualified co-op player on hand locally to help you get your money's worth out of the game.
  14. GameFocus
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    I have to credit Klei for putting together a game that pretty much superseded my expectations all the way around. Violent, brutal and fast-paced action, enjoyable platforming, fun bosses and a fresh ambiance that kept my controller glued to my hand from start to finish.
  15. ZTGD
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    Shank is one of those games that will either be loved or hated by the masses. I for one think it is a steal at fifteen bucks, and if you enjoy classic action titles like Contra or Ninja Gaiden (NES style) then you should not hesitate picking it up.
  16. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    The digital equivalent of a stress relief ball. [Issue#63, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. MS Xbox World
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    Shank, combined with its well thought-out combat and artistic style is a game that certainly appeals to fans of classic side-scrollers and gory romps of gaming mayhem, and earns its worth at 1200 Microsoft points; more so if you're able to experience both modes of play.
  18. GamerNode
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    Shank is absolutely worth the time, money, and effort, though perhaps it's not the paragon of innovation I expected.
  19. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    Don't expect it to last longer than a good book. [Nov 2010, p.121]
    All this publication's reviews
  20. games(TM)
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    It's never unfair. [Issue#100, p.124]
    All this publication's reviews
  21. Game Informer
    Oct 21, 2010
    80
    Shank suffers from too much repetition, even for a brawling fighter, but it gets high points for style and its gritty, dark subject matter. This is a game you can sink your teeth into and bask in its wild aggression.
  22. SpazioGames
    Oct 21, 2010
    78
    Shank is a 2D beat'em up with a great style and gameplay; on the other hand, a poor replay value and a short main story don't make it one of the tops.
  23. XboxAddict
    Oct 21, 2010
    75
    If you try the demo, and you're having fun it's worth playing through it, just realize the game isn't going to give you much more than that outside the story, its just more of the same.
  24. Game Over Online
    Oct 21, 2010
    75
    Most of the game is actually pretty fun, although the loading times are damned long for a downloadable title. It's a colorful, violent cartoon with some of the best music of any game this year. It's simply that any time a boss shows up, I want to go play something else.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 36 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 36
  3. Negative: 7 out of 36
  1. JET
    Sep 11, 2010
    10
    Whats with all the bad reviews? Ignore them this is up there with the best games on Xbox Live Arcade. Go and get the demo and find out forWhats with all the bad reviews? Ignore them this is up there with the best games on Xbox Live Arcade. Go and get the demo and find out for yourself! Great combat, one of the best artstyles, whats not to like? The length isn't that bad. It's longer than most arcade games. It's even better if you have a friend to play the co-op campaign with. I played it with my brother and its one of the best co-op experiences ever. The difficulty is perfect as well. So with the co-op, you can double that 3-4 hour length. Throw in all the collectible costumes and you've got more than your moneys worth! What are you waiting for, buy it!… Full Review »
  2. TomBee94
    Sep 11, 2010
    10
    this Game is Brilliant! the one player campaign has some of the best fighting i have seen in a long time. If you only play through it oncethis Game is Brilliant! the one player campaign has some of the best fighting i have seen in a long time. If you only play through it once then maybe you'll see it as being too short but you can go back and get costumes which make multiple playthroughs a must! The best part for me though is the co-op campaign which must be played. Don't trust the negetive reviews buy this game! Or at least download the demo.… Full Review »
  3. canceRnya
    Oct 29, 2018
    7
    Красивый о стильный бит эм ап, проходил с удовольствием. Жалка, что короткий.
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