Shank is a 2010 video game developed by KLEI Entertainment and published by EA. It is a 2D side-scrolling action-adventure game. The story follows Shank, a former assassin out for revenge against those who murdered his girlfriend Eva. Shank goes through a number of enemies both large and small, while using a decent sized arsenal of weapons.

THE GOOD: I don’t know what it is about the gameplay in shank, but it reminded me of Devil May Cry. You have about 8 or so weapons to choose from by the time the game is done, four melee, three guns, and grenades. The game can get a bit difficult at times, especially during certain boss fights and hard mode.

The story is a typical revenge for girlfriend’s death thing, but the voice acting and 2D cut scenes go together well. Despite it’s M rating there isn’t very much mature content, accept for the usual blood, and there’s one scene that features a decapitation. The music was fantastic, it was dark and action packed.

THE BAD: Almost every level feels the same, which is expected of a 2D side-scroller. Blocking almost becomes a mute point, in fact I rarely recall using it during my first play through. Some bosses were ridiculous difficult, and it took about 3-5 times for you to figure out how to avoid damage and finish this off.

There was a serious lack of variety in the enemies you face, again this is expected for an Xbox Live Arcade/PlayStation Network title, but the fact that you encounter the same enemies so often got really annoying.

THE UGLY: It’s too damn short for it’s own good! It only took me 3 1/2 hours to actual complete which is a same, there’s an alternative co-op prequel campaign, but I have yet to actually see the time frame for completing it, but will update this review once I get a chance to try it out.

OVERALL THOUGHS: Shank is a fun game, but it lacks in enemy variety. The animation style and voice work is great, as is the music. Boss battles were ridiculously difficult your first time facing a boss, and you weren’t given any indication on how to defeat them until you died at least once. Despite its flaws playing the game is a great time to have, but a great time that only lasts 3 1/2 hours.

Shank is a fun 2d side-scroller, and should definitely be considered if you hadn’t picked it up during it’s initial release. It’s one of the greatest uses for $10 you’ll ever make. Otaku Dome gives Shank an “”A Look Back At” score of 80 out of 100.