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Release Date: February 7th, 2012 Movie Release Year: 2012

Shank 2

Overview -

The original Shank was released during mid-2010, much to the delight of 2D side-scrolling, brawler fans that longed for a game similar to Streets of Rage. While the first title in the series was limited by local co-op as well as a handful of gameplay balance and control issues, the entertainment value of the game was extremely high and the visuals were uniquely stunning for a downloadable title. Seeking to improve rather than reinvent the original, the development team at Klei Entertainment has attempted to polish up the gameplay as well as roll out online multiplayer within Shank 2.

OVERALL:
Rating Breakdown
VIDEO
AUDIO
Tech Specs & Release Details
Technical Specs:
PlayStation Network
Video Resolution/Codec:
1080p
Audio Formats:
Dolby Digital 5.1
Release Date:
February 7th, 2012

Video Review

Ranking:

The high definition visuals in Shank 2 certainly don’t fail to impress. The hand-drawn landscapes and characters feel like Quentin Tarantino and John Woo teamed up to create a animated short that emulates the Kill Bill movies as well as Hard Boiled or The Killer. The stylistic cutscenes give the bloody violence a cinematic flair and the animations are silky smooth just like the original. Visual effects like the pouring rain or raging fires are also well produced and add to the authenticity of the environment.

Audio Review

Ranking:

The musical score for Shank 2 was designed with an action movie in mind. Music appropriately builds to a climax during the boss battles and the cavalcade of sound effects really makes the on-screen action pop. The voiceovers have improved slightly for this game, but the quality has more to do with the change in tone of the sequel. The corny lines from the original are still present though. As a 2D-brawling sidescroller, the need for directional sound effects was limited, but certainly welcome in the sound mix.

For the cost of $10 on the PlayStation Network ($5 less than the original at its 2010 launch), you probably have to decide how much the multiplayer is worth to you. The campaign ends almost as quickly as it starts and Klei doesn’t provide much incentive to repeat the single-player story beyond standard PlayStation trophies. However, the amazing animation and stylish combat is definitely worth experiencing at least once. If you are a fan of the original Shank, you won’t find this title as innovative as the original, but rather a much more polished version of the game. Download this PlayStation Network title if you are in the mood for a visually stunning, 2D side-scrolling brawler.