Fit check
Is Shank worth it for you?
We tell you who should skip it, too.
Play it if you…
Good fit- Beat-'em-up fans who want fast side-scrolling combat
- Solo action players who want a revenge story with boss battles
- Pairs who want local cooperative combat with a separate story
Skip it if you…
Saves you a refund- Players seeking a slower or exploration-led structure may bounce off the repeated forward combat and enemy encounters.
- Players who dislike graphic violence and pulpy presentation may hit a wall with the blood-soaked art direction and brutal fights.
- Players looking for online multiplayer may not find the local co-op format suitable.
Our take on Shank
The likely bounce point is the combat loop: players who do not enjoy chaining attacks through repeated enemy groups will reach the limit quickly. The graphic violence is another clear dividing line, especially during boss battles and the game's stylized slaughter sequences.
What is Shank?
Shank is a 2D side-scrolling beat-'em-up built around shooting, slashing, and chaining weapon-based attacks against groups of enemies.
Its revenge story follows Shank through a criminal underworld, presented with graphic-novel visuals and fully animated cinematic scenes. Combat supports on-the-fly combos using an extensive selection of weapons. The campaign includes more than 8 large boss encounters, each presented as a distinct battle. A separate two-player local co-op mode provides a prequel story, with both players fighting through groups of armed enemies together. The Steam version includes control and tuning updates based on player feedback.
How Shank plays
- 01Weapon combo combat
- Attacks can be linked during fights while switching among a broad range of weapons.
- 02Animated story scenes
- The revenge narrative is presented through fully animated cinematic sequences.
- 03Boss encounters
- The game includes over 8 large and distinct boss battles.
- 04Local co-op prequel
- Two players can take on a separate backstory together against groups of armed enemies.
Shank compared to similar games
Shank focuses on side-scrolling beat-'em-up combat, weapon chains, boss fights, and local two-player co-op. Sundered: Eldritch Edition is described as a chaotic metroidvania with updates, while the other listed alternatives emphasize climbing, shooting, or runner gameplay rather than this beat-'em-up structure.
Shank: platforms & release
Is Shank worth it?
It is worth it if: beat-'em-up fans who want fast side-scrolling combat. Skip it if: players seeking a slower or exploration-led structure may bounce off the repeated forward combat and enemy encounters.
Where can I download Shank?
Use the Download Now button on this page: it opens Shank's store page, where you can choose how to get it.
What platforms is Shank on?
Windows, macOS and Linux.
