Shank Critic Reviews

Shank is the freshest, most unequivocally rewarding beat-em-up game to come along in almost a decade.

The gameplay is exceedingly simple.

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.

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?

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.

With its incredible art and entertaining gameplay, Shank stands near the apex of what downloadable gaming is all about.

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.

Overall Shank is one of the best beat 'em up titles to come out in a long time

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.

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?

"Quotation Forthcoming"

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.

I have to credit Klei for putting together a game that pretty much superseded my expectations all the way around.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.

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.

Don't expect it to last longer than a good book.

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.

The digital equivalent of a stress relief ball.

Shank is absolutely worth the time, money, and effort, though perhaps it's not the paragon of innovation I expected.

It's never unfair.

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.