Shank

  I am a HUGE fan of brawlers and, having just finished playing the living hell out of scott pilgrim, I can offer a decent comparison between Shank and your average brawler (Elevator Levels!!!!  There aren't any in shank fyi).  The combat in Shank has way more depth than your run-of-the-mill brawler.  I also found that hard mode was frustrating at some points (like getting knocked into a pit over and over with either a missile or grenade ARGHH!!!),  but it provided an excellent challenge that really pushed me to master and utilize the numerous weapon combinations for specific sections of each level.  Initially I loathed the idea of restarting every time I died in hard mode, but, as you replay levels, the efficiency with which you dispatch the enemies of each section improves and before you know it you are breezing through the level without taking a hit which becomes immensely satisfying.  For me, the game's true value is found in hard mode and as i worked my way through it, Shank evolved from a so-so, button mashing brawler into a strategic and incredibly satisfying gaming experience.
 
For fans of scott pilgrim ill put it this way.  When i started shank i was pretty dissatisfied and found SP to be more gratifying if not just for the replay value.  After completing Shank, I find it to a far superior game.  Though I do think it is kind of unfair to compare the two seeing as SP is a nostalgia based Arcade brawler (TMNT anyone?) and shank is a side-scroller. 
 
Anyway i think ive gone on long enough.  Hopefully, after reading this, somebody will find a bit more appreciation for this great game.  I mean it only costs 15 bucks! Come on!!!!  
 
Note: I initially posted this as a reply to the "Not as great as the reviewers say" Thread in the forums, but i found it kind of developed into a review.  I figured id stick it here as well so a few more people can gain some insight.