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Shank 2 PlayStation 3
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Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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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 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

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. 1UP
    Feb 7, 2012
    91
    The combat and visuals -- which are what Shank has always been about -- have taken big steps forward to the point that I'm not sure the original Shank even needs to exist at this point. Except for historical value, perhaps.
  2. TotalPlayStation
    Feb 9, 2012
    90
    Bloody, brutal and utterly bad-ass, Shank 2 is an action/platforming spectacle that players won't soon forget. In spite of its disappointing length, no action fan should miss this one.
  3. AusGamers
    Feb 15, 2012
    72
    An enjoyable little slice of action. There's certainly room for improvement, and a Hard mode that doesn't remove all the checkpoints would have been appreciated for those who mastered the harder original and will breeze through this one, but it provides enough moments of pure fun to warrant a look.

See all 27 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. Shazalia
    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. 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
    • 1 of 2 users said yes
  2. Pudge003
    6
    Disappointing to say the least. For some reason they got rid of switching between your assorted weapons from the first, to only being able to choose your three weapons (melee, gun, and grenade + shank) at the start. No in level saves, so you better beat the level before quitting. Incredibly tough and frustrating a lot of the times (especially the bosses), to the point of wanting to throw your controller. Weak story, with no real tie in to the first, and they got rid of the co-op campaign back story from the first for a run-of-the-mill survival. Very disappointed.… Expand
    • 1 of 2 users said yes
  3. Rekun
    4
    I was really looking forward for this game. It is a huge disappointment : they killed the multiplayer coop (which was available in the first game) campaign. The only coop is a boring survival mode. Don't pretend it's coop.… Expand
    • 2 of 4 users said yes

See all 7 User Reviews

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