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Shank 2
Shank 2
Shank 2
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Shank 2
DeveloperKlei Entertainment
PublisherElectronic Arts
PlatformsLinux, Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
ReleasePlayStation 3, Windows
February 7, 2012
Xbox 360
February 8, 2012
Linux, macOS
February 19, 2012
GenreHack and slash
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

Shank 2 is a 2D side-scrolling hack and slash video game developed by Canadian independent studio Klei Entertainment and published by Electronic Arts in 2012. As the sequel to Shank, it features a new two-player survival mode, updated combat mechanics, and new weapons. Shank 2 does not feature the cooperative story mode which appears in the previous installment, instead offering a two player survival mode.

Plot

[edit]

After the death of cartel leader Cesar at the end of the first game, Shank's homeland has been engulfed by warfare as various factions attempt to take control. General Magnus has emerged victorious, and his militia now rules with an iron fist. They have overthrown the government and Magnus has declared himself president, taking over much of the cartel's criminal activities.

The rebellion against the militia is being led by Shank's old mentor, Elena. At the game's opening she is kidnapped by the militia's forces; unbeknownst to the majority of the population, Magnus is gravely ill, and he needs a heart transplant if he is to survive. He intends to take Elena's heart, a process which will kill her. Shank must fight his way through Magnus's army in order to rescue his mentor and once more overthrow a despot.

Gameplay of Shank 2
Online gameplay

Gameplay

[edit]

Like the first game in the series, Shank 2 is a side scrolling hack and slash with a comic book art style.[1] The player once more controls Shank, using his three different weapon types: a set of knives, a heavy melee weapon and a ranged weapon.[2] The player can collect temporary-use weaponry from fallen enemies, such as crates, fish and cleavers, and also has a supply of munitions, which expands upon the original game, which featured only grenades,[3] by also providing Molotov cocktails[4] and proximity mines, which are selectable depending on player preference and availability mid-stage.

Shank has other attacks such as multiple grapple attacks, the ability to throw enemies, and a pounce maneuver, in which he jumps in the air and lands on a nearby enemy.[5] A major addition to the game is the ability to perform counterattacks, in which Shank turns an enemy's attack against them,[4] for example by grabbing a baseball bat midswing and striking the enemy with it, or twisting a pistol around so the enemy is shot instead of the player.

The multiplayer portion of Shank 2 is a survival mode in which two players face off against an endless succession of enemy units, whilst defending supply stations from occasional enemy demolitions men.[6]

Shank 2 features a far more zoomed-out camera positioning than the original, meaning combat areas are larger and allow for more mobility within the flow of combat.[7] Furthermore, whilst the original game featured a stand-in-place Block state and a large number of static moves during which the player was invincible, Shank 2 removes the mid-action invulnerability and static dodge, forcing the player to rely on timed rolls and mobile evasion. Enemy variety has been greatly increased from the original, including small-sized enemies.[8]

Shank 2 also features a playable female character, Corina, who features in both story missions and Survival mode. Her animations and combat styles differ from Shank's. Though she still uses the same arsenal of two knives, a heavy weapon, and a ranged weapon, her choices are different. In general, her style uses faster but weaker attacks, and involves acrobatic motions over brute strength.[9]

Development

[edit]

Klei Entertainment's Jamie Cheng said: "What we did was rip the game apart and reconstruct it to allow us to have more responsive controls and better graphics. We tore our combat system apart... and created new controls to be able to use the enemies' weapons against themselves."[10]

Reception

[edit]

Shank 2 has received mostly favorable reviews, holding a Metacritic score of 72% for PC[11] and 77 out of a 100 for PS3 and Xbox 360, respectively.[12][13]

Aggregator GameRankings scored the game a bit differently, that way, Xbox 360 version got 78 out of a 100,[14] PS3 ranked the highest of the three at 79,[15] while PC version got the lowest at 71.[16]

Mitch Dyer of IGN called it "one of the best action games in recent memory".[17]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Shank 2

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shank 2 is a 2D side-scrolling video game developed by the Canadian independent studio and published by . Released on February 7, 2012, for Microsoft Windows and , and February 8, 2012, for , it serves as the sequel to the 2010 game Shank, expanding on its predecessor's hack-and-slash mechanics with refined controls, customizable weapon loadouts, and co-operative multiplayer elements. The game features a comic book-inspired art style and follows the ex-mob hitman protagonist Shank as he returns to his hometown to combat a militia threatening his community and loved ones, involving intense action sequences across urban and island settings. In terms of , Shank 2 emphasizes fast-paced where players select two primary weapons per level—such as chainsaws, cleavers, or bats—and engage enemies through , grabs, throws, and aerial dodges using the right for precise maneuvers. pickups are assigned to a dedicated button for quicker access, addressing frustrations from the original game, while environmental interactions and enemy dismemberment add to the visceral, gore-filled experience rated Mature for intense and blood. A key addition is the online co-op survival mode, supporting two players in wave-based arenas across three maps, where participants choose from multiple characters with unique abilities and unlock upgrades like traps and buffs to endure escalating enemy hordes. Development of Shank 2 began after the success of its predecessor, with focusing on enhancing the system and introducing more dynamic level to create a "redefined 2D side-scrolling brawler." Announced in September 2011, the title was built using Klei's proprietary engine, emphasizing fluid animations and a grindhouse-inspired tone, though some critics noted the story's thin motivations compared to the revenge-driven plot of Shank. The game received generally positive reviews, praised for its stylish visuals, satisfying , and addictive survival mode, earning scores like 8.5/10 from for its precision and replayability, while outlets such as awarded it 7/10, citing occasional frustration from dense enemy placements and infrequent checkpoints.

Development and production

Development

Following the release of the original Shank in 2010, decided to overhaul the game's underlying systems to address feedback on controls and pacing, rebuilding the control scheme from the ground up to enhance responsiveness and flow. This included refining frame transitions and hit boxes with new development tools, allowing for 360-degree shooting accuracy and dodge mechanics via the right , while removing blocking to emphasize fluid counters and rolls. The effort also extended to graphics, introducing richer colors, textures, and character details to create a more immersive, graphic novel-like aesthetic. A core focus during development was refining combat to feel more dynamic and less repetitive than in the first game, with an emphasis on players seizing enemies' weapons—such as decapitating foes with a or using dropped armaments for temporary combos. Environmental interactions were expanded to allow creative takedowns, like luring enemies into trap doors, gears, or off platforms using wild boars, while design goals prioritized varied enemy behaviors that demanded adaptive tactics over button-mashing. New munitions, including Molotov cocktails and mines, were integrated to add explosive variety and encourage strategic placement in fights, alongside purchasable items like turrets funded by combo-generated gold. Development began shortly after the 2010 launch of Shank, and was officially announced on September 27, 2011, with serving as publisher to provide resources like QA testing and feedback while preserving Klei's creative autonomy. The team doubled the animation volume to support these enhancements, aiming for a 2012 release that built on the original's reception by reducing scenario repetition and promoting diverse playstyles. Key challenges included balancing the new co-op survival mode, which shifted from the story co-op of the predecessor to a replayable horde defense with online support maintaining 60fps across distances like to . Ensuring consistency across platforms—such as , , and PC—required iterative testing to align the rebuilt mechanics without compromising the fluid combat vision.

Release

Shank 2 was published by Electronic Arts and initially released on February 7, 2012, for PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Windows, followed by the Xbox 360 version on February 8, 2012. The game was distributed exclusively as a digital download, available through the PlayStation Network for PS3, Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360, and EA Origin for Windows, with no physical retail edition produced. The Windows version was released on Steam alongside Origin, with native ports for Linux and macOS added in February 2013. Post-launch support included several patches addressing bug fixes and performance improvements, such as the initial update on February 22, 2012, which resolved crashes and controller issues on PC; however, no major or expansions were developed. The release was available worldwide digitally, with no reported regional or variations in content across platforms.

Gameplay and features

Core mechanics

Shank 2 is a 2D side-scrolling brawler that emphasizes fast-paced within linear levels progressing from left to right, with occasional side areas for and frequent checkpoints to facilitate respawning upon death. The core system revolves around a multi-weapon approach, enabling players to equip one melee weapon, such as signature shanks for rapid strikes, machetes, chainsaws, or sledgehammers for devastating blows, and one ranged weapon including throwing knives, dual pistols, shotguns. Secondary items like grenades, molotov cocktails, or mines are also available. Players can seamlessly switch between equipped weapons via dedicated face buttons and pick up improvised items from defeated foes, such as bats, wrenches, or even environmental objects like a , to expand tactical options mid-fight. Combat mechanics prioritize precision and mobility, incorporating counterattacks to parry enemy assaults, fluid for chaining attacks, evasion rolls for dodging projectiles and strikes, and grappling hooks for pulling in distant targets or traversing gaps. Environmental interactions enhance lethality, allowing players to impale enemies on spikes, crush them with overhead containers, or activate traps like turrets and saw blades for opportunistic kills. These elements create a strategic layer, particularly in boss encounters where timing counters and evasion prove essential. Game progression follows a campaign structure across varied environments like urban towns, docks, and ruins, where defeating enemies yields collectible currency used at inter-level shops to acquire upgrades for increased health, expanded ammo reserves, and enhanced weapon performance. Visual feedback includes stylized, over-the-top gore effects to underscore violent actions, complemented by dynamic audio cues that sync with strikes, shots, and environmental impacts for immersive responsiveness. Slow-motion sequences accentuate finishing moves, heightening the spectacle of combos and executions.

Modes and characters

Shank 2 features a single-player campaign mode consisting of eight chapters that advance the story through linear levels filled with combat encounters and boss fights. The campaign typically takes about four hours to complete on a first playthrough, focusing on solo progression without multiplayer elements. The game includes a co-op mode limited to its survival variant, supporting local and online two-player sessions with drop-in/drop-out functionality and independent controls on a shared screen. This mode emphasizes teamwork in defending against enemy waves, building on the core combat mechanics of melee and ranged attacks. Survival mode offers a horde-based endless wave structure playable solo or in co-op, where players protect supply crates from escalating enemy assaults across multiple maps, earning cash for upgrades between waves. It incorporates global leaderboards to track high scores based on survival duration and performance. The playable characters include base versions of Shank, who employs a balanced approach with melee weapons like chainsaws and katanas alongside ranged firearms for versatile combat, and Corina, an agile companion with swifter animations, pistol-whip techniques, and lighter but faster strikes that differentiate her playstyle. Unlockable variants such as Classic Shank, Cesar, and Falcone for Shank, and Sunshine, Chops, and Bubbles for Corina offer unique stats like modified health, damage bonuses, or ability tweaks. Each can be upgraded with perks such as increased health or damage bonuses through in-game progression. In co-op survival, players select from unlocked characters at the start of sessions.

Story and setting

Plot

Shank 2 is set in a war-torn ravaged by civil war in the wake of the first game's events, where the defeat of cartel leader Cesar has sparked factional conflicts over control of the region. General Magnus, a ruthless military leader, has seized power and declared himself tyrannical president, imposing and oppressing the populace through his forces. Upon returning home, Shank discovers the full extent of the turmoil when Magnus's forces kidnap Elena, the woman who raised him, targeting her for a heart transplant to combat the general's and extend his rule. This personal threat draws the former back into violence, as he joins a against the to rescue her and dismantle the . Throughout his campaign, Shank traverses hostile territories—from urban slums and shipyards to dense jungles and hidden facilities—allying with resistance fighters and clashing with waves of soldiers, independent cannibals in the jungle, and other adversaries. The narrative explores themes of and redemption amid the fight for liberation, building to a climactic assault on the to overthrow the and initiate restoration efforts. The storyline unfolds across nine chapters organized into acts, seamlessly blending high-octane action sequences with stylized, hand-drawn cutscenes that propel the plot forward.

Characters and world

Shank serves as the central protagonist of Shank 2, portrayed as an anti-hero assassin who has retired from his violent past as a mob and now seeks a peaceful life in his hometown. After the gang wars following the events of the first game, he is drawn back into conflict when his loved ones are threatened by the ruling regime. His character embodies a quest for redemption, relying on brutal skills honed from years as an enforcer, while forming alliances to . Corina acts as Shank's primary ally and a playable co-protagonist, depicted as a fierce resistance fighter with a personal vendetta against the oppressive forces controlling the land. As a childhood friend of Shank and leader within the rebel group, she provides tactical support and shares in the narrative drive to dismantle the , her combat style emphasizing agility and ranged attacks distinct from Shank's focus. Her role highlights themes of camaraderie and defiance, often scolding Shank to refocus on the rebellion's goals amid the chaos. Elena is Shank's adoptive mother figure and the director of the where he grew up, also serving as a leader in the resistance; she becomes a key target of the antagonists, motivating much of the story's emotional core. Operating as a figure of care in the war-torn society, her capture by enemy forces propels Shank and Corina into action against the regime. Her vulnerability underscores the personal stakes in the broader fight for freedom. The primary antagonist is General Magnus, a power-hungry who has seized control through his cybernetically enhanced , ruling with authoritarian after overthrowing the . Magnus employs and brute military strength to maintain dominance, transforming the homeland into a of enforced and fascist oppression. His lieutenants and mid-boss enforcers, such as Inferno and the Doctor, serve as enforcers who oversee outposts and spread terror, each embodying exaggerated villainy in the game's pulp aesthetic. Supporting characters include members of the resistance and civilians who deliver lore through environmental and collectible rebel , revealing details of faction conflicts and daily struggles under Magnus's rule. These interactions flesh out the societal impacts of the , from suppressed uprisings to opportunistic betrayals. The world of Shank 2 unfolds in a dystopian homeland ravaged by post-gang war chaos, featuring ruined urban cities, fortified military outposts, and desolate wilderness areas that evoke post-apocalyptic decay. Magnus's enforces control through checkpoints and patrols, creating a atmosphere of constant and violence, while resistance hideouts offer brief respite amid the rubble. The setting draws on book-inspired visuals with bold, hand-drawn that emphasizes exaggerated action and gore, blending influences from 1970s cinema's gritty, over-the-top style. Lore elements revolve around escalating faction wars that culminated in Magnus's rise, fueled by manipulative and overwhelming military might, establishing his as an iron-fisted . Subtle connections to the first 's events appear through Shank's and scattered references to past mob conflicts, allowing the to stand alone while enriching the continuity for returning players. Civilians and rebels alike convey the human cost of this power struggle, portraying a society fractured by fear and fleeting hopes for liberation.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Shank 2 received mostly positive reviews from critics, with aggregate scores reflecting general favorability across platforms. On , the PC version holds a score of 72/100 based on 12 critic reviews, while the and versions both score 77/100, the former from 36 reviews and the latter from 36. Critics widely praised the game's improvements in combat fluidity and cooperative play compared to its predecessor. awarded it an 8.5/10, highlighting the seamless blend of light, heavy, and ranged attacks that made fights feel dynamic and responsive, describing it as "one of the best action games of the year so far" for its polished mechanics. The addition of local co-op in the campaign and a dedicated was also lauded for enhancing replayability, with noting that the wave-based survival co-op "may be the best part of the game" due to its tense teamwork elements like revives and shared objectives. Visuals drew consistent acclaim for their stylish, hand-drawn and over-the-top gore, which called an "eye-catching visual style" that elevated the grindhouse aesthetic. The short, punchy campaign, clocking in at around 5-6 hours, was seen as a strength for its focused pacing without unnecessary padding. However, several reviews pointed to shortcomings in level design and overall depth. Repetitive environments and flat layouts were common complaints, with criticizing the "primarily flat level layouts" that made platforming feel bland and discouraged exploration. The brief length also drew mixed reactions, as observed that "once you’ve played through the campaign, there isn’t much reason to go back" beyond minor unlocks, limiting long-term engagement. The faced criticism for lacking depth, with some reviewers like those on noting its fun but ultimately shallow progression compared to the main campaign. Technical issues on PC at launch, including awkward mouse-and-keyboard controls and framerate drops, were highlighted in multiple outlets, contributing to the slightly lower aggregate score there. Feedback often emphasized strong replayability through co-op features but noted weaknesses in variety relative to contemporaries like , which offered more innovative stealth elements. Overall, the game was appreciated for its accessibility and visceral action, earning a solid reception as a refined but unremarkable 2D brawler.

Commercial performance and legacy

Shank 2 achieved modest commercial success following its 2012 release, particularly in the landscape of the early , where platforms like , , and were experiencing a boom in indie titles. Estimates suggest it sold over 100,000 units on . On , it attracted over 50,000 new players in its debut year, contributing to strong initial digital performance across consoles and PC despite competition from major releases. ' marketing support helped amplify visibility, though the title's sales were tempered by the dominance of larger franchises during that period. The game's ongoing availability has sustained its accessibility, with frequent discounts on and backward compatibility support on and Xbox Series X/S since August 2016, allowing modern players to experience the original version. In legacy terms, Shank 2's technical foundation— including its animation pipeline and level design tools—directly influenced Klei Entertainment's evolution toward more experimental genres, facilitating rapid development for stealth-action titles like Mark of the Ninja by streamlining prototyping and art workflows. No further sequels materialized, but the game remains integrated into Klei's portfolio of hand-drawn 2D experiences, underscoring the studio's early expertise in side-scrolling action. Community engagement persists through fan mods that extend with endless waves, custom maps, and increased difficulty challenges, fostering replayability years after launch. Shank 2 holds cultural significance in the revival of indie beat 'em ups, often cited for pioneering local co-op innovations in 2012's digital space, and it appears in occasional retrospectives on Klei's formative works and the era's indie scene.

References

  1. https://ir.ea.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2012/Shank-2-Available-Now/default.aspx
  2. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps3/644714-shank-2/data
  3. https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/shank-2/
  4. https://www.gameinformer.com/games/shank_2/b/ps3/archive/2012/02/10/shank-2-review-blinded-by-bloodlust.aspx
  5. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-and-klei-fashioning-shank-2/1100-6336935/
  6. https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/02/06/shank-2-review
  7. https://xblafans.com/klei-entertainment-set-the-stage-for-shank-2-30590.html
  8. https://www.noobfeed.com/articles/shank-2-interview-with-klei-entertainment-founder-jamie-cheng
  9. https://www.engadget.com/2012-01-20-shank-2-building-a-better-game.html
  10. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/ea-partners-publishing-shank-sequel
  11. https://www.ea.com/news/shank-2-targets-february-for-system-wide-release
  12. https://www.gamesradar.com/shank-2-comes-ps3-and-pc-february-7-360-february-8/
  13. https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/xbox360/644715-shank-2
  14. https://store.steampowered.com/app/102840/Shank_2/
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  37. https://shank.fandom.com/wiki/Cannibals
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  40. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Shank-2/Corina/
  41. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Shank-2/Elena/
  42. https://shank.fandom.com/wiki/Elena
  43. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/video-games/Shank-2/General-Magnus/
  44. https://shank.fandom.com/wiki/Inferno
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  51. https://app.sensortower.com/vgi/game/shank-2
  52. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/xbox-live-arcade-by-the-numbers---an-extensive-look-back-at-2012
  53. https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-adds-shank-2-to-the-xbox-one-backward-compatibility-list/
  54. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/classic-postmortem-klei-entertainment-s-i-mark-of-the-ninja-i-
  55. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2187689582
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