Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 27
  2. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. 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. 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. Not only does feel great just to hack away at your enemies with your knives, the finishers look absolutely fantastic. They look so good in fact that you'll want to try them out with every weapon and counter in the game. [March 2012, p.100]
  4. Mar 22, 2012
    85
    This short, bloody roller-coaster really impresses. [Apr 2012, p.103]
  5. Feb 6, 2012
    85
    It's a more responsive, faster action title that does away with the damning side of its dazzling animation. This is a smooth brawler with gorgeous spectacle, and its dedication to nailing its second chance makes it one of the best action games in recent memory.
  6. Feb 7, 2012
    84
    Shank 2 isn't so much a sequel as it is a replacement for its slower, sloppier predecessor, and that seems to suit its style just fine.
  7. Mar 28, 2012
    83
    Stabtastic. [Issue#216, p.85]
  8. Feb 13, 2012
    82
    A slightly better game than its predecessor, primarily because the gameplay has been solidified. It feels faster and more reliable; by direct comparison, the first was just a little more irritating and not quite as sound.
  9. Mar 13, 2012
    80
    Steps back were taken in some aspects but the most important element – the gameplay – was fine-tuned so all in all Shank 2 is a great beat 'em up dripping with fun. [April 2012, p.71]
  10. Feb 27, 2012
    80
    Its vibrant and original art is slick and well animated, its excessive gore and cliche-action-movie-style cutscenes are funny and satisfying in equal measures, and its fast, challenging gameplay is suitably visceral and deeply satisfying. But it's way too short, and the lack of campaign co-op is an epic disappointment, especially considering its presence in the first game.
  11. Feb 21, 2012
    80
    While the game is still quite short, the survival mode and the penchant for climbing leaderboards will have you playing for a bit longer. If you're looking for a quick platformer that offers plenty of carnage, then this is the game for you.
  12. Feb 16, 2012
    80
    Shank 2 does what a good hack n' slash sequel should: it adapts a few things with the aim of improvement and it turns up the action.
  13. 80
    Granted, its more iterative than innovative, but Shank 2 is a reasonably priced game with several fun elements that improve upon the original's formula while also scaling the game back in other areas.
  14. Feb 10, 2012
    80
    Shank 2 doesn't do much that's new or original. It's a refinement of what came before it, from the original Shank to manic classics like Metal Slug. But there's a lot of quality fun packed into this inexpensive download, making it a perfect choice for simple, fast-paced action.
  15. Feb 9, 2012
    80
    A significant improvement over its predecessor, and one that proves there are still a few developers out there willing to learn from their mistakes.
  16. Feb 27, 2012
    77
    Shank 2 is definitely an improvement over the first game in the series, but the lack of innovation ultimately doesn't warrant a higher score.
  17. 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.
  18. If you liked Shank before, you'll still get on alright with this. [May 2012, p.116]
  19. While the predecessor was a solid albeit short outing with optional co-op, this sequel seems less polished. The backgrounds lack the eye-catching finish, the plot is just a discombobulated mess strewn together and while Klei Entertainment has evened out the difficulty spikes it lacks the charm of the original. [April 2012, p71]
  20. While it's still a solid sequel, Shank 2 may have benefited from a less-is-more approach. [Apr 2012, p.81]
  21. Feb 24, 2012
    70
    The meager eight stages are fun, but leave you very abruptly stranded at the end-credits and wishing for more areas, Bossfights and especially many more weapons.
  22. Feb 22, 2012
    70
    With the additions and improvements, you can actually enjoy slicing up a few of the enemies for a while and attempt to enjoy the story line.
  23. Feb 20, 2012
    70
    In the end, Shank 2 is a fun yet ultimately forgettable game which uses its over the top violence and retro presentation to create something different yet not that original either.
  24. Feb 19, 2012
    70
    Shank 2 has better controls than its predecessor. But it's a big failure that the co-op function has been deleted and the current multiplayer mode isn't all that special. So in short, Shank 2 is a good game, but it could have been better.
  25. Feb 10, 2012
    70
    While I continue to respect Klei Entertainment's art style and devotion to bloody fantasy above all else, it needs to design less frustrating levels and encounters before its games truly click for me. The upgrades in Shank 2 are a lot like the act of revenge: It feels satisfying in the short term, but in the end you're left with the empty feeling that maybe it didn't improve that much at all.
  26. Feb 20, 2012
    65
    The single-player alone doesn't make Shank 2 a must buy, but if you enjoy horde modes with a spicy Mexican twist then Shank 2 is an unbelievably fun addition to your party game collection.
  27. Feb 14, 2012
    60
    Gory combat comes at a high cost in the uneven Shank 2.
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. 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. Full Review »
  2. 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. Full Review »
  3. 8
    Shank 2 have a recipe very similar to that of the first game. However, it is not the same game, mainly for bringing some innovative features. What impressed us most was the Survival mode, option that leaves the title much more fun than the predecessor. Play with other characters is also something to take into account, since this novelty provides a reason more to reset the game again. Anyway, despite the story meaningless, worth buying Shank 2, after all, the game offers infinite action. Full Review »