Shank 2 Critic Reviews

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.

I loved Shank 2's animated style, its characters and animations; everyone needs to rip these guys off, because they know what they're doing.

Just because Shank 2 isn't terribly innovative doesn't mean it's a bad game. In fact, it's a total blast. It's ridiculous and goofy and completely over-the-top. If you want something that delivers a totally original gameplay experience, don't bother. But, if you want something that's just a lot of fun, look no further: This little gem will keep you grinning like a maniac. Just like Shank does when he revs up his chainsaw.

I've loved every minute I've spent with Shank 2 since I downloaded it, and I can't wait to replay and revisit my favorite levels whenever I need to blow off some steam. The game is just so much fun and so outrageously over-the-top that you can't help but become addicted. I'm taken back to my early arcade days of Double Dragon or Street Fighter, only now I get much cooler weapons, lots more blood, stunning visuals and sound, and a whole lot of attitude. Shank is the ultimate badass and that's how I feel every time I play Shank 2.

Nice, dark and violent sequel with a lot of new stuff.

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.

Overall Shank 2 is a really beautifully presented game, with a sharp, distinctive art style, and mostly awesome button-bashing gameplay, let down slightly by a few odd design choices here and there.

Shank 2 is a sequel worth looking at, especially for those of you who've already spent some quality time with the former hitman.

If something works, why change that? Shank 2 is very conservative, but the changes in gameplay are enough to significantly improve the results obtained with the original. Much more intense and varied, after playing this sequel is very hard to return to the past; and this is something that shows the good work carried out by Klei Entertainment.

Shank 2 isn't quite as robust or refreshing as its predecessor, but it's another damn fine (and fun!) downloadable adventure.

Shank 2 takes the old-school, side-scrolling brawler and infuses it with a hefty dose of blood and gore. Crisp graphics, smooth controls, and ballet-like action will give action fans a reason to take a break from Modern Warfare 3 or Battlefield 3.

Even on Normal mode, you'll find yourself overwhelmed until the combination of dodge rolls, grabs, pounces, and combos becomes second nature. It's a testament to Shank's new-found competence that this does, eventually happen. Shank 2 has that satisfying feeling of re-mastering a forgotten motor function.

A worthy sequel, good variety and improved combat system. The difficulty curve is soften than predecessor, but not so much.

Shank 2 has simply improved every aspect of the first chapter that there was to improve. Visuals, combat system... everything looks great and better, but it's still a bit too short and a bit too repetitive.

Shank 2 is a noteworthy non-stop action game. It has a reasonable length, great weapons and a fun survival mode.

Fast and furious, Shank 2 is a convincing showcase of violence and toughness that will satisfy action seekers. The main campaign is too short, but the whole package is complete enough.

If you have never played the series, Shank 2 is the perfect jumping off point. For the price, the content is more than worth it, and you will be hard-pressed to find a more gorgeous 2D game on the service. Shank 2 is a great game that fans of classic side-scrolling action titles will not want to miss.

Won't change the world, but it's beautifully made and satisfyingly violent.

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.

Another gem on XBLA.