Following the success of Shank, developer Klei Entertainment revealed that its sequel, Shank 2, is due out in early 2012. With over a year’s worth of work already invested, the game debuts with a sharp trailer that includes a good look at the action. As was the case with the first game, Shank 2 will be available as a digital download for PC, PS3 on the PlayStation Network, and Xbox 360 on Live.

"For Shank 2, we literally took apart the game and put it back together to push the envelope in combat mechanics, visuals, and 2D animation in games," said Klei Entertainment founder Jamie Cheng. In addition to polishing those parts that made the first game great, Shank 2 gets co-op play with a new arcade-style survival mode. Players will need to work together using the environment and sharing weapon pick-ups to beat the enemies thrown at them.

Check out the screens and first video for a closer look at what to expect from Shank 2 when it arrives in the first part of next year.