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.
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 »