If Quentin Tarantino had to remake the great Metal Slug (Neo Geo Game) Shank 2 is how I picture his remake. The cut scenes remind me of anime scene from Kill Bill and the game itself is an over the top blood fest of fun that lends itself to a grind-house move.
I missed the original Shank so i was going in to this review blind and after the large 1.9gig download I didn’t really know what to expect.
Campaign Mode
For me the Story behind the Campaign is lost as I never played the first game and from what I can gather it loosely follows on the story from the first Shank. But if like me you never played the first Don’t Let This Put You Off.
The Game looks beautiful with it’s hand drawn crisp graphics and grind-house feel.
Shank 2 plays the same as the old school side scrolling beat um ups of games gone by, where you will face wave after wave of enemy minos before reaching the end of level super strong Boss.
Shank can dispatch enemies with ease, he has 3 main attack options at his disposal which you custom map with weapons at the start of every level (light, heavy and ranged). You will also find weapons and various other items on the floor waiting to become instruments of torture these included Flaming torches, meat cleavers, lead pipes etc…
The enemies come thick and fast and the game become intense with Shank getting attacked from every angle, luckily dodge only requires a flick of the right stick and your able to roll out of trouble. Exclamation points above a enemies head let Shank know when a counter-attack opportunity is available, and with a quick pull of RT Shank will pull off a counter move which usually involves grabbing the enemy and using his own weapon against him in a way only Shank knows how to.
Survival Mode
Online or Local 2 player Co-op
I
In Survival mode you need to fend off wave after wave of various thugs and over the top bosses, as you and a friend try defend 3 supply sections from enemy bombers, It can get quite hectic in the later waves with enemies coming from every angle but with a quick visit to the store additional aid can be bought to help sway things your way, items included health drops to wild boars to stationary turrets. This mode is not for the faint hearted it’s fast and intense, the only downside I found was everyone is a little small and you soon loss your partner in the heat of the battle.
Overall
Shank 2 is one part addictive gruesome combat and one part beautiful artwork. The hand-drawn visuals never fail to impress, even when you’re busy covering the area in blood. MasonicGamer.com gives this game a massive thumbs up. Since playing Shank 2 I have now downloaded the first game and I’m really looking forward to starting it.
Shank 2 is available now on PSN and PC for $9.99 USD, and on Xbox LIVE Arcade for 800 Microsoft Points. More info can be found on the official website www.shankgame.com
