Shank
Available Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Game Developer: Klei Entertainment
Game Publisher: EA Partners
Release Date: August 24 & 25, 2010
Official Website: shankgame.com
Review Summary:
Klei Entertainment’s downloadable game Shank brings a refreshing and mature spin to the side-scrolling beat ‘em up genre. Fans of Double Dragon, and anything from Robert Rodriguez or Quentin Tarantino will enjoy the game’s environment and gameplay style. This is a great meld of art and gaming, with a great soundtrack to boot.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Shank review
Imagine if you will, the possibility of varied artistic genres melding together and producing a single offspring. If Robert Rodriguez’s El Mariachi had an illustrious affair with Samurai Jack and Metal Slug with a hint of Kill Bill, then Klei Entertainment’s Shank would come into being. Shank is a game that is oozing with panache, amongst its well developed gameplay. The environment created by developer Klei Entertainment is enough to draw in anyone. The visual aesthetics of the game appears to be influenced by many Cartoon Network programs, specifically Samurai Jack.
The backdrop of Shank is highly reminiscent to the desperado tale of El Mariachi, only the opposition differs heavily from the enemies in Shank. Enemies span the width of lucha libre style wrestlers, strippers with staves, steroid infused behemoths, paramilitary, plus more. The artistic creativity shines through in Shank. There is no slouch in the storyline and its pacing, penned by BAFTA award winning writer Marianne Krawczyk (of God of War fame). Along with an intense soundtrack provided Vincent De Vera and Jason Garner, there is an equally satisfying voice-acting ensemble to bring the story to life. Klei Entertainment did an excellent job on just the combination of various influences and bringing gamers a hyper-violent escapade of revenge in this southwestern setting.
Aside from the heavy comic book and Tarantino-esque exterior, gamers will be pleased to know that Shank boasts an interior that is well worth the time. The control system in Shank is well produced; it has no timing issues and is solid for the type of gameplay style the game commands. Gamers will lean heavily on the robust combo system laid out to help assail the consistent onslaught brought on by enemies.
For example, chaining together a string of violent combinations between Shank’s dual blades, a chainsaw and shotgun is highly addicting. The attention required in the beginning takes time to adjust but the payoff for practice is rewarding. After a few minutes of playtime, gamers will be creatively bringing about the demise of Shank’s foes. Stuffing grenades into the mouths of an enemy then pinning a foe to the ground while stabbing him and shooting a rush of enemies can be executed effortlessly.
The combo system is but one of the many aspects that has been well thought out by Klei Entertainment. The boss character battles are also a great part of the sidescroller beat ‘em up genre. Each boss has his own distinct attacks and appearance that does not mirror any other in game. There are minor hiccups in the game itself. I was not too fond of the fighting of armed enemies perched on upper tiers, while using guns that don’t aim directly up (and being assaulted by a myriad of enemies below). Also, the lack of subtitles in-game frustrated me at times, being that at default level the music tends to drown out the voice acting.
Yet, there isn’t much to berate about with Shank. Klei Entertainment has crafted a very well polished game. With the inclusion of a co-op mode, which doesn’t feel tacked on and has a unique storyline, Klei Entertainment has provided much replay value for this downloadable game. From multiple comedic character skins to be unlocked, excellent gameplay and wonderful atmosphere, Shank is one of the best downloadable games I’ve played. It is beyond any doubt that Shank is a worthwhile game, which will provide numerous hours of entertainment on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
