Title:
Shank 2
Rating:
M
Release Date:
2012-02-08
Date Added:
2018-07-03 14:10:29
Game Summary:
Shank 2 is a 2D side-scrolling hack-and-slash game developed by Klei Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts. Released in February 2012, it serves as the sequel to the original Shank, offering refined combat mechanics, new gameplay modes, and an expanded arsenal.
Overview:
In Shank 2, players once again assume the role of Shank, a former mob hitman with a dark and vengeful past. The game continues Shank’s story as he is thrust back into action to protect those close to him from a new threat. The sequel enhances the original’s formula with improved controls, a broader range of weapons, and a new cooperative survival mode.
Game Mechanics:
• Combat System: Players utilize a combination of light and heavy attacks, ranged weapons, and grenades to dispatch enemies. The game introduces counterattacks, allowing players to turn enemy assaults against them.
• Weapon Variety: Shank’s arsenal includes knives, chainsaws, sledgehammers, firearms, and temporary weapons like cleavers and fish, each offering unique combat advantages.
• Pounce and Grapple: Players can leap onto enemies with the pounce maneuver or engage in close-quarters combat using grapples, adding depth to the fighting mechanics.
• Survival Mode: A new cooperative mode where two players face waves of enemies, defending supply stations and utilizing the environment and weapon pickups for survival.
Characters:
• Shank: The protagonist, a skilled fighter seeking redemption and protection for his loved ones.
• Corina: A playable female character featured in both story missions and Survival mode, with distinct animations and combat styles differing from Shank’s.
• General Magnus: The primary antagonist, a tyrant whose militia has overthrown the government, ruling with an iron fist.
Setting:
The game is set in a war-torn region where General Magnus’s militia has seized control, overthrowing the government and declaring Magnus as president. The environments range from jungles and villages to industrial complexes, each rendered in a distinctive comic book art style.
Plot:
After the death of cartel leader Cesar, Shank’s homeland is engulfed in warfare as various factions vie for power. General Magnus emerges victorious, ruling with an iron fist and taking over much of the cartel’s criminal activities. The rebellion against the militia is led by Shank’s old mentor, Elena, who is kidnapped by Magnus’s forces. Unbeknownst to the public, Magnus is gravely ill and needs a heart transplant to survive, intending to use Elena’s heart, which would kill her. Shank must fight through Magnus’s army to rescue his mentor and overthrow the despot.
Reception:
Shank 2 received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its refined combat mechanics, fluid animations, and cooperative gameplay. However, some noted that it felt more like an iteration than a full-fledged sequel. The game holds a Metacritic score of 77/100 for the Xbox 360 version, indicating generally favorable reviews.
Game Modes:
• Single-Player Campaign: Continues Shank’s narrative with a series of action-packed levels.
• Survival Mode: A cooperative mode where two players fend off waves of enemies, emphasizing teamwork and strategy.
Legacy:
Shank 2 is recognized for its polished gameplay and distinctive art style, contributing to the popularity of indie-developed action titles. Its success reinforced Klei Entertainment’s reputation, leading to the development of other acclaimed games such as Mark of the Ninja and Don’t Starve.
Backward Compatibility and Availability:
• Backward Compatibility: Shank 2 became backward compatible on Xbox One on August 11, 2016.
• Games with Gold: As of December 2024, Shank 2 has not been offered as part of the Games with Gold program.
Overview:
In Shank 2, players once again assume the role of Shank, a former mob hitman with a dark and vengeful past. The game continues Shank’s story as he is thrust back into action to protect those close to him from a new threat. The sequel enhances the original’s formula with improved controls, a broader range of weapons, and a new cooperative survival mode.
Game Mechanics:
• Combat System: Players utilize a combination of light and heavy attacks, ranged weapons, and grenades to dispatch enemies. The game introduces counterattacks, allowing players to turn enemy assaults against them.
• Weapon Variety: Shank’s arsenal includes knives, chainsaws, sledgehammers, firearms, and temporary weapons like cleavers and fish, each offering unique combat advantages.
• Pounce and Grapple: Players can leap onto enemies with the pounce maneuver or engage in close-quarters combat using grapples, adding depth to the fighting mechanics.
• Survival Mode: A new cooperative mode where two players face waves of enemies, defending supply stations and utilizing the environment and weapon pickups for survival.
Characters:
• Shank: The protagonist, a skilled fighter seeking redemption and protection for his loved ones.
• Corina: A playable female character featured in both story missions and Survival mode, with distinct animations and combat styles differing from Shank’s.
• General Magnus: The primary antagonist, a tyrant whose militia has overthrown the government, ruling with an iron fist.
Setting:
The game is set in a war-torn region where General Magnus’s militia has seized control, overthrowing the government and declaring Magnus as president. The environments range from jungles and villages to industrial complexes, each rendered in a distinctive comic book art style.
Plot:
After the death of cartel leader Cesar, Shank’s homeland is engulfed in warfare as various factions vie for power. General Magnus emerges victorious, ruling with an iron fist and taking over much of the cartel’s criminal activities. The rebellion against the militia is led by Shank’s old mentor, Elena, who is kidnapped by Magnus’s forces. Unbeknownst to the public, Magnus is gravely ill and needs a heart transplant to survive, intending to use Elena’s heart, which would kill her. Shank must fight through Magnus’s army to rescue his mentor and overthrow the despot.
Reception:
Shank 2 received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its refined combat mechanics, fluid animations, and cooperative gameplay. However, some noted that it felt more like an iteration than a full-fledged sequel. The game holds a Metacritic score of 77/100 for the Xbox 360 version, indicating generally favorable reviews.
Game Modes:
• Single-Player Campaign: Continues Shank’s narrative with a series of action-packed levels.
• Survival Mode: A cooperative mode where two players fend off waves of enemies, emphasizing teamwork and strategy.
Legacy:
Shank 2 is recognized for its polished gameplay and distinctive art style, contributing to the popularity of indie-developed action titles. Its success reinforced Klei Entertainment’s reputation, leading to the development of other acclaimed games such as Mark of the Ninja and Don’t Starve.
Backward Compatibility and Availability:
• Backward Compatibility: Shank 2 became backward compatible on Xbox One on August 11, 2016.
• Games with Gold: As of December 2024, Shank 2 has not been offered as part of the Games with Gold program.
Platform:
Microsoft Xbox 360
Publisher:
Backwards compatible
Developers:
Klei Entertainment
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Players:
1-2 Local & Online
Input Devices:
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Media Type:
Download
Date Added:
2018-07-03 14:10:29
