Shank 2 Review for PC - Cheat Code Central

System: PC, PS3, Xbox 360*
Dev: Klei Entertainment
Pub: Electronic Arts
Release: February 7, 2012
Players: 1-2
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes

There are three Survival maps to play, and different characters have different strengths and weaknesses on each one. Each map also lets you set up creative traps that will kill destroy your enemies by the bucket-load. The only real downside of the Survival Mode is that it gets old fast with only three maps to choose from, but even so, it is where I spent the majority of my time.

Shank 2 Screenshot

The worst part about Shank 2 is its length. It's only a couple hours long and a dedicated gamer can power through it in one sitting. Survival Mode adds another couple hours to this, but without a friend to play with, this too will get old. There is a little bit of replay value in the single-player's achievements, multiple paths, and numerous weapons to try out, but one playthrough is more than enough for most people. Still, I never get tired of seeing my enemies die by way of flaming tires, so if you have a real love for violence, you might get two or three playthroughs out of the campaign.

If you are wondering whether or not you should buy Shank 2, first ask yourself whether or not you liked the original Shank. If the answer is yes, then Shank 2 is an automatic buy. Its cooler, smoother, has a seriously dark sense of style, and the Survival Mode will probably keep you occupied for longer than you would think. If the answer is no, then let me say that Shank 2 is an improvement over the original in every way. The controls are tighter, the gameplay is more fun, and the game feels far less cheap. If these are the things that kept you from enjoying the original, then Shank 2 is right up your alley.

By
Angelo M. D'Argenio
Contributing Writer
Date: February 9, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.8

Graphics
The game returns to its ultra-violent cartoony comic book style. It's just a whole lot smoother now.

4.2

Control
The controls in this game are hands-down better than the controls of the original. High-speed murder has never been this much fun.

3.6

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
I'd say the music and voice acting is the worst part of Shank 2, but that's not saying much. It's still rather competent.

4.5

Play Value
If you liked Shank 1, you'll like this game. And really, there aren't a whole lot of people who didn't like Shank 1.

3.9

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Set in a pulp fiction world, Shank 2 puts players back in control of their favorite ex-mobster hitman, Shank.

Klei has evolved the combat experience with precise controls, new weapons, smarter enemies, and more advanced combo techniques, all set to the backdrop of beautiful 2D art and animation.

Players can put Shank's trusty arsenal of handguns, chainsaws, grenades, plus all-new weapons to use in order to protect those close to him.

Introducing an all-new Survival Mode, gamers can team up with a friend online or locally, working together to take down hordes of goons in an action-packed, arcade-style brawl.

Featuring stunning visuals from Klei's veteran cartoon director, Jeff Agala, Shank 2 raises the bar even higher for 2D brawlers with art and animation that won Klei multiple awards and nominations, including IGF's Excellence in Visual Arts nomination, and the Canadian Animator of the Year award for Klei's lead animator, Aaron Bouthillier.