When comparing VVVVVV vs Shank 2, the Slant community recommends VVVVVV for most people. In the question“What are the best 2D games on Steam?” VVVVVV is ranked 28th while Shank 2 is ranked 42nd. The most important reason people chose VVVVVV is:
The main mechanic in the game is that the player can switch the gravity in any level allowing the character to flip from the bottom of the screen to the top. This is used in an ingenious way in order to solve puzzles and avoid hazards throughout each level.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Use gravity to solve puzzles
The main mechanic in the game is that the player can switch the gravity in any level allowing the character to flip from the bottom of the screen to the top. This is used in an ingenious way in order to solve puzzles and avoid hazards throughout each level.
Pro Throwback to Atari/C64 games while playing like a modern game
VVVVVV is very reminiscent of a game one would find for the Atari or Commodore 64 in that the graphics are simple, but the gameplay is anything but as it plays like nothing one would have found back then. It is fast paced and very precise, also extremely tough.
Pro Has a very enjoyable co-op mode
The game has a worthwhile multiplayer mode that is great to play with friends. it is separate from the main campaign (which would make the campaign too easy most likely) in that the players will face off against waves of enemies through coordination.
Pro Nice comic style look
Has Cel-Shaded graphics which displays this games graphics with smooth animations and has lots of attention to detail.
Cons
Con Difficult
VVVVVV is a tough game, one that will cause frustration quite easily. Luckily there are unlimited lives in the game, so areas can be played over and over again with no consequences.
Con Not much of a story
The basic plot is that you are trying to save your crew members, but really it is just a loose story to tie the levels together as there is really not much there to discover.
Con Story is pretty bland
The story does not really stand out and is a weak point of the game, though being a side scrolling platforming shooter/brawler the story is not really integral to the gameplay itself. Shank 2 takes on some heavy storied elements but sadly does not really take advantage of them and instead tends to just go over the top, which usually just falls flat.