abstract alien
Member
Downloading the demo as we speak. It says I have an hour and a half before it's complete, so this may take awhile :^/
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Shank |OT| (PC/XBLA/PSN)
- Thread starter Shard
- Start date
finished the demo, not impressed.
the cutscenes are awesome. there seem to be quite a lot of them (which explains the size).
but the combat is the real problem here. if there is only one enemy, everything is fine. but if you fight against 2 or more, it gets very hectic and there is almost no way to avoid getting shot or hit. the blocking and dodging isnt really useful (ign review is spot on about that).
graphics look great and the animations are smooth, but the backgrounds feel very copy & paste.
i really like the cutscenes and the story so far (seems very story and cutscene heavy) but i just dont feel the combat, its not fun (for me).
the cutscenes are awesome. there seem to be quite a lot of them (which explains the size).
but the combat is the real problem here. if there is only one enemy, everything is fine. but if you fight against 2 or more, it gets very hectic and there is almost no way to avoid getting shot or hit. the blocking and dodging isnt really useful (ign review is spot on about that).
graphics look great and the animations are smooth, but the backgrounds feel very copy & paste.
i really like the cutscenes and the story so far (seems very story and cutscene heavy) but i just dont feel the combat, its not fun (for me).
SolidusDave
Member
I think they use the d-pad to select weapons. Analog stick control wasn't really an issue in the demo.
It's kinda fun, but not $15 fun (in relation to other download titles and the short length). Apart from the combat the first level design was really simple. Also, I miss gore for the normal combat and I feel like it would be more fun if the most basic enemies were "one"-hit kills.
It's kinda fun, but not $15 fun (in relation to other download titles and the short length). Apart from the combat the first level design was really simple. Also, I miss gore for the normal combat and I feel like it would be more fun if the most basic enemies were "one"-hit kills.
Cromulent_Word
Member
PoweredBySoy
Banned
Well fucks, 200 minutes to download 2 gig. Hope the rate improves.
Revolutionary
Member
I liked the demo a lot... really want to buy it but the fact that it's $15 and only has local co-op is bugging me. :\
I also don't get why it can't run at a native 1080p.
I also don't get why it can't run at a native 1080p.
abstract alien
Member
Maybe they will patch the dpad issue? Naaaaah...
ThirstyFly
Member
I enjoyed the demo and will purchase the full game. I do wish it allowed you to config the controls to allow the d-pad for movement though, and it feels like it could use a dodge/dash mapped to the right stick instead of the dash done by holding block and pressing left or right. I probably just need to get used to the control a little more I guess.
TheFLYINGManga_Ka
Member
Looks cool!
I'm loving this comeback of 2D games lately.
I'm loving this comeback of 2D games lately.
MikeE21286
Member
Q8D3vil said:
very disappointing. I'm on a PC kick right now. I'll probably wait as well.
MyEpitomeCliché
Member
I rather liked the demo. I think I'll pick this up on XBLA tomorrow.
Initially I found the controls to be very loose and I didn't understand how the block worked. Once I got that down things started to improve.
It's pretty chaotic at times. You can fall to your death in weird spots and the controls are still loose, but when you really start to work together, it's pretty damn fun. I played the first three bosses worth of co-op and I can say I'm enjoying the game.
Good, not great.
It's pretty chaotic at times. You can fall to your death in weird spots and the controls are still loose, but when you really start to work together, it's pretty damn fun. I played the first three bosses worth of co-op and I can say I'm enjoying the game.
Good, not great.
Len Dontree
Animator. Respect knuckles.
Stumpokapow said:Given that XBLA games have mandatory demos, it'd pretty much be a scam if the PSN version didn't
Well, it wouldn't be the first time that's happened. :/ Looking forward to trying this out regardless.
Discotheque
Banned
Played the demo...meh. It's something I'd pick up on a sale or something. Not right now though. 15 is too much. Games like Deathspank warrant the price, not this.
Also combat bored me a bit by the time I ended the demo :lol
Also combat bored me a bit by the time I ended the demo :lol
Just played through the first level with a friend. Wow. I must be totally out of touch with what merits a quality title these days. Judging by the first level, this is one of the crunchiest, stickiest action games about a dude with a knife and gun I've ever played, not to mention it has some of the most mind-blowing 2D graphics I've ever seen. I was playing on Normal and every enemy felt like a threat, which I totally love in a game like this.
Well everything you said is true, but I've done varying degrees of this in other games, like Devil May Cry, Mad World, etc.
There's so much going on but it becomes very difficult to appreciate it when you can't tell your character apart from the other guys. He needs a big red cape or white hair or something.
The ambition is too big and the world is too small to capture it.
There's so much going on but it becomes very difficult to appreciate it when you can't tell your character apart from the other guys. He needs a big red cape or white hair or something.
The ambition is too big and the world is too small to capture it.
abstract alien
Member
Yeah, no Dpad support..and after playing it, it definitely would be much better with it. Honestly, it seems as if it was designed for an analog at one point in development considering how heavy his running start up is, but then was axed for whatever reason. Either way, it isn't in, and it would be better with it. Now that this is over...
First of all, boy is this game meaty! I mean, don't expect hyperbolic time chamber type gravity, but it does have some really nice weight to its is feel, controls and animations. Certainly much heavier than I would have thought, and more so than most games of this type. It doesn't feel cheap at all in that regard. The only real complaint I would have at this point as far as controls, moves, and whatnot go would be the fact that there is a lag in the start up of his run animation. It isn't the forward momentum shift he does, which I like, but a lag in the actual input/reaction. It feels like it's due to the analog dead zone, but whatever the case is, its there. It doesn't seem to be game breaking or anything from what I've played, but its an annoyance none the less.
His move transitions are also really nice. His...er, shank combo, can be varied by holding forward, down, or simply standing. The down version will give you an arching pop up swing of which you can immediately attack afterward, be it a juggle or just going after other dangers around you. His jump is pretty digital, so no matter how long you press the button, the height will remain the same. There are some noteworthy details about it though. The after effect of the jump differs if you are actually running vs jumping from a standing position. You can move while in mid-air, and if you are still moving once your feet hit the ground, it will result in him doing a quick forward roll if you have jumped from a stand. A running jump while continuing to move when your feet plant will have him simply continuing the run animation. Good stuff.
Also, concerning his guns. Not sure if its been shown, but you can sort of "combo" them ala gunslinger stance from DMC3. Shooting while remaining still will just cause the usual repeated dual wielding madness, but if you hold forward, he will go all Dante and get fancy(still shooting forward though)...but once his fancy feast ends, if you press the opposite direction right afterward while continuing to shoot, he will fire in both directions at the same time. Again, good stuff.
His pounce(done with the R trigger) is pretty heavy as far as animation goes, and has a set distance when not locked on to someone. No analog pouncing, so you need to understand the amount of ground it covers. When enemies are around, it is assisted, and homes in slowly on a chosen one. While it isn't a problem in the demo(you can pretty much do it worry free unless you are near a ledge or a big enemy), it could prove to be used as a tactile move if the difficulty ramps up and adjusts to it. One cool thing is that once you successfully pounce an enemy and begin carving your name in his chest/face, you can fire one of your guns at others that may be closing in and either continue afterward, or simply jump off if things are getting too crazy. Really nice to look at.
The chainsaw is pretty self explanatory. Nothing fancy at all, and is at it should be. You can pop someone up, or throw them behind you depending on what swing you use though. I tried to pop someone up and follow with a pounce, but no dice :^(
Well, now that I'm done toying with it, I think ill actually play it :lol
First of all, boy is this game meaty! I mean, don't expect hyperbolic time chamber type gravity, but it does have some really nice weight to its is feel, controls and animations. Certainly much heavier than I would have thought, and more so than most games of this type. It doesn't feel cheap at all in that regard. The only real complaint I would have at this point as far as controls, moves, and whatnot go would be the fact that there is a lag in the start up of his run animation. It isn't the forward momentum shift he does, which I like, but a lag in the actual input/reaction. It feels like it's due to the analog dead zone, but whatever the case is, its there. It doesn't seem to be game breaking or anything from what I've played, but its an annoyance none the less.
His move transitions are also really nice. His...er, shank combo, can be varied by holding forward, down, or simply standing. The down version will give you an arching pop up swing of which you can immediately attack afterward, be it a juggle or just going after other dangers around you. His jump is pretty digital, so no matter how long you press the button, the height will remain the same. There are some noteworthy details about it though. The after effect of the jump differs if you are actually running vs jumping from a standing position. You can move while in mid-air, and if you are still moving once your feet hit the ground, it will result in him doing a quick forward roll if you have jumped from a stand. A running jump while continuing to move when your feet plant will have him simply continuing the run animation. Good stuff.
Also, concerning his guns. Not sure if its been shown, but you can sort of "combo" them ala gunslinger stance from DMC3. Shooting while remaining still will just cause the usual repeated dual wielding madness, but if you hold forward, he will go all Dante and get fancy(still shooting forward though)...but once his fancy feast ends, if you press the opposite direction right afterward while continuing to shoot, he will fire in both directions at the same time. Again, good stuff.
His pounce(done with the R trigger) is pretty heavy as far as animation goes, and has a set distance when not locked on to someone. No analog pouncing, so you need to understand the amount of ground it covers. When enemies are around, it is assisted, and homes in slowly on a chosen one. While it isn't a problem in the demo(you can pretty much do it worry free unless you are near a ledge or a big enemy), it could prove to be used as a tactile move if the difficulty ramps up and adjusts to it. One cool thing is that once you successfully pounce an enemy and begin carving your name in his chest/face, you can fire one of your guns at others that may be closing in and either continue afterward, or simply jump off if things are getting too crazy. Really nice to look at.
The chainsaw is pretty self explanatory. Nothing fancy at all, and is at it should be. You can pop someone up, or throw them behind you depending on what swing you use though. I tried to pop someone up and follow with a pounce, but no dice :^(
Well, now that I'm done toying with it, I think ill actually play it :lol
MikeE21286
Member
Sipowicz said:
hmm...
IGN said:
Demo's not bad. But like other people said: Yeah, not a $15 game for. Esp. since they couldn't be assed to subtitle the cutscenes. Christ, in this day and age you could at least be inclusive for some of us with a five minute (SHOW SUBTITLE) code job. :|
Beat the first three levels and killed
. Really digging this game. The combat is simple and fun, the art & animation is wonderfully tongue-in-cheek, the music is very subject matter appropriate, and the story is a guy version of Kill Bill. Not much to say other than bad ass.
Given the troubled times in which we live, a $15 asking price for a downloadable slash 'em up is probably a bit much. But if the demo rubs you the right way, and you're not pinching pennies, go for it.
The Butcher
Given the troubled times in which we live, a $15 asking price for a downloadable slash 'em up is probably a bit much. But if the demo rubs you the right way, and you're not pinching pennies, go for it.
quinntendopower
Banned
does this game have that "i can't wait to play it again so i can totally rape the parts i know i can rape now" feeling?
if it's a one time wowee look at the gory kill game, i'm passing.
remember, you can buy viewtiful joe for 2.99... :lol
if it's a one time wowee look at the gory kill game, i'm passing.
remember, you can buy viewtiful joe for 2.99... :lol
Dark Octave
Banned
Just got finished playing the PSN demo and despite what reviews say, I enjoyed it and will be picking it up for XBLA tomorrow.
British Monsoon
Member
I love the look, I love the style, the combat is a lot of fun and does a good job of making you feel like a total badass - but then that feeling is constantly stripped away by the games design intentionally trying to overwhelm you. There is literally too much going on, and when you're expected to take out a whole variety of enemies, who all take a freaking age to kill, it fast becomes totally overwhelming and very, very frustrating.
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