Shank 2 (Xbox 360)

Shank 2 is a mechanically rock solid 2D brawler. It has a larger feature set than its predecessor, including a multiplayer survival mode, detailed achievement progress, and a lot of unlockable characters. The graphics and style of Shank is less impactful the second time around, so what ultimately wins me over on this game is the gameplay. I struggle to find an example of a more complete fighting system in any game save maybe for the heavyweights of the larger action genre, Ninja Gaiden and Devil May Cry; Shank 2 has fast and heavy attacks with a plethora of weapons, missile attacks, detailed combos, launchers, air combos, dodging, and the Shank's great iconic lunge attack. The fighting is perfectly tuned, with controls that feel just right. The fighting system makes up for any other shortcomings this game might have, and at such a low price, I have no problem recommending Shank 2.