Shank - kiiiinda interesting XBLA 2D game

[JoshF]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i62kbs7W ... re=related

The moves look visually interesting but it doesn't look like there's any technique or strategy behind it, like Battletoads. Especially since the other enemies take a time out when you're slicing their friends' bodies apart. Maybe this is just an easier level, but based on what's shown the game just looks like a giant 2D Quick Time Event.

[Obiwanshinobi]

So, who's played Shank 1 or 2?

Maybe this is just an easier level, but based on what's shown the game just looks like a giant 2D Quick Time Event.

To be fair, Viewtiful Joe is pretty much that.

[Mischief Maker]

I played them both (seperate humble bundles). Shank 1 was about at the level of God of War in terms of combat mechanics, but the boss fights were awful puzzle fights. Shank 2 had much smoother and natural feeling mechanics, and the boss fights were way better.

I finished them both, but they both left me with a queasy feeling. The violence is is on a "Story of Ricky" level, but when the games started introducing bikini girl enemies and my perpetually drunk roid rage character was pouncing on them and stabbing them with jagged metal shanks, and the game made sure to show their boobs bouncing during these horrific beatings it took me out of the game. And I am not a fan of Anita Sarkeesian!

On a purely mechanics level I'd say Shank 2 is superior to Mark of the Ninja, but on an aesthetic level Mark of the Ninja is more enjoyable because the enemies all look like they're able to fight back.

If you're really hankering for a 2D brawler, I'd say get Aces Wild before Shank.

[Cagar]

The violence is is on a "Story of Ricky" level

Oh cool!

but when the games started introducing bikini girl enemies and my perpetually drunk roid rage character was pouncing on them and stabbing them with jagged metal shanks, and the game made sure to show their boobs bouncing during these horrific beatings it took me out of the game.

Oh no, equally over-the-top female characters! What a misogynistic game. Disgusting!

[Mischief Maker]

Oh no, equally over-the-top female characters! What a misogynistic game. Disgusting!

I have no problem admitting I'm applying a double standard here. Ricky-O was beating up a bunch of head-exploding men who presumably had a chance against him. Shank looks like a looney tunes version of "Once were Warriors" and it was too unpleasant for me to stomach.

[Khan]

Get your Ryona on son!