DeathSpank
Encyclopedia
DeathSpank, is a comedy action role-playing game
by game designer Ron Gilbert
. It was developed by Hothead Games
and published by Electronic Arts
. The game was released on July 13, 2010 on the PlayStation 3
via the PlayStation Network and on July 14, 2010 on the Xbox 360
via Xbox Live Arcade
. The Microsoft Windows
and Mac OS X
versions were released October 26, 2010 and December 14, 2010, respectively via Steam.
DeathSpank follows the titular character DeathSpank in his quest to find an item known as The Artifact. The game was originally supposed to be the first of a two part series. The second half of the series, entitled DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue
was first released on September 20, 2010. Gilbert described DeathSpank as being "Act I" in the story, and Thongs of Virtue as being "Acts II and III". However, it was later announced that Deathspank was returning for a third game entitled, The Baconing
, abandoning the titular character's name in its title. The third game was released on August 30, 2011.
DeathSpank has received generally positive reviews from critics, who cited influences from both the Monkey Island and Diablo
games. At aggregate website GameRankings it holds scores of 78.88%, 79.50%, and 79.60% for the PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, and the Xbox 360, respectively. The Xbox 360 version has sold over 91,000 units as of October 2010, with 2010 totals exceeding 97,000 units. The PlayStation 3 version has similar numbers, with year-end 2010 totals of nearly 107,000 units.
which also features elements from graphic adventure game
s. Combat gameplay is similar to Diablo
. Players can acquire several pieces of armor and weaponry, each with different abilities and attributes. During combat players can chain attacks in combo
s, which in turn deal more damage with each hit. As more hits are gained on enemies, DeathSpank's Justice Meter will fill. Once full, the player can unleash more powerful attacks for a limited time.
In-game conversations with non-player character
s are also a large part of the game. DeathSpank features advanced dialog options, similar to LucasArts
' Monkey Island series which play a large part in unfolding the game's story. These conversations may lead to quests for DeathSpank. In all, the game features 79 side quests in addition to the 33 quests required to advance the main plot. Once the game is completed the player can return and complete any unfinished side quests.
DeathSpank is designed to be playable in short segments, and has three difficulty levels. It contains about 8 to 12 hours of gameplay depending on choices made by the player during the game. The world of DeathSpank is presented as a miniature planetoid, with the display having a rounded element, similar to Super Mario Galaxy
. The world is a mixture of 2D
and 3D
props on 3D terrain, and is rendered without load screens as the player moves between areas. The game also features a local cooperative
mode, in which the second player takes the role of Sparkles the Wizard. Sparkles is equipped with multiple spells which provide support to DeathSpank, including a healing spell.
medieval world. It revolves around a character named DeathSpank, who has searched his entire life for an item known as The Artifact, a mysterious object whose purpose is equally mysterious. He travels with a wizard known as Sparkles, and the duo seek to claim The Artifact and rid the land of evil. The story begins with The Artifact just out of DeathSpank's reach. Unable to claim it, he meets with a local witch, who promises to help him in exchange for his services. He provides her with her requested items, and eventually obtains The Artifact.
The victory is short lived, however, as a group of henchmen who serve the evil Lord Von Prong steal The Artifact and all of DeathSpank's equipment. Traveling to a nearby town, he earns new weaponry from the townsfolk in exchange for doing good deeds. Re-equipped, he sets his sights back on The Artifact and Lord Von Prong. After a lengthy journey with several side quests throughout various locations, DeathSpank faces off against Lord Von Prong. He defeats Von Prong, and DeathSpank ends with a prelude to the game's sequel.
would be joining forces to develop the game. Gilbert described it as "Monkey Island
meets Diablo
." Three cinematic teaser trailers for DeathSpank were shown at Penny Arcade Expo
2008. During the 2009 Penny Arcade Expo DeathSpank was showcased at the Hothead Games
booth, with live gameplay being demonstrated by staff, along with examples of story elements, and dialogue trees. It was announced on March 4, 2010 that Electronic Arts
would publish the game.
The game was released on July 13, 2010, on the PlayStation Network and July 14, 2010, on Xbox Live Arcade
. It was later released for Microsoft Windows
on October 26, 2010, and on Mac OS X December 14, 2010. The PC and Mac OS X versions support a wide range of resolutions, the ability to run the game windowed, input by keyboard and mouse as well as gamepad, alternate control schemes, and a key mapping ability. Gameplay enhancements based on feedback from the console versions include an equipment comparison function, a treasure chest feature in each town and major area, a new streamlined user interface and more. These versions also make use of Steam Cloud and support Steam Achievements and leaderboards.
In an interview with Gamasutra
in June 2008, Gilbert stated that DeathSpank would be an episodic series of games. On March 30, 2009, Ron Gilbert confirmed on his blog that the game would no longer be episodic. Gilbert later revealed that the game had once again become episodic due to the game's size. "Towards the end of production it was determined what we had built was too big for a downloadable game, so the decision was made to split the game in half and the climactic battle with Lord Von Prong was the perfect place. That battle is in essence the end of Act I and it had a nice WTF moment that provided a nice cliff hanger" he stated. Gilbert has described DeathSpank as being "Act I" in his story, and Thongs of Virtue as being "Acts II and III".
The title character originated in Ron Gilbert's Grumpy Gamer comics, created by Gilbert and Clayton Kauzlaric
, who they later developed further. The character DeathSpank is voiced by Michael Dobson. Gilbert and Kauzlaric created a rough design for the game and pitched it to publishers for over four years without success. Previously, Gilbert had consulted for Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness
at Hothead Games; he contacted them and a deal was struck for the company to develop the game. A more in-depth design for DeathSpank was then produced. Kauzlaric remained involved with the project, consulting on design, story and concept art. Gilbert departed Hothead Games upon completion of the game.
reports similar scores, with both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions averaging 79/100 and the PC version holding a score of 78/100. The game has sold over 91,000 units as of October 2010 with a total of over 97,000 units as of year-end 2010. The PlayStation 3 version sold similarly, with nearly 107,000 units sold at the end of 2010. Some critics cited elements The Secret of Monkey Island
and Diablo
in the game.
The game's humor was lauded among most critics. Thierry Nguyen of 1UP.com
enjoyed the character's interactions, and noted, "a sort of deadpan absurdity where pretty much anything [...] gets said as naturally as we would discuss the time of day." Game Revolution
's Duke Ferris agreed, and stated the game was "genuinely funny." He then pointed out several instances of humorous quests, conversations, and actions. XPlay
's Rob Manuel stated that "most of the thanks here should go to Ron Gilbert." He then referenced two of Gilbert's previous games, The Secret of Monkey Island
and Maniac Mansion
. Manuel went on to add, "his sharp and often dark sense of humor permeates everything from quests to settings." Eurogamer
's Dan Pearson felt the humor was borderline irreverent and said, "I can't help feel I'm not really part of DeathSpanks target audience."
Critics universally applauded the unique art style of DeathSpank. GameSpot
's Tom Mc Shea called the visuals "imaginative", and added, "the colorful visuals are reason enough to check out every corner." The reviewers from Australia's Good Game
said they "liked [DeathSpanks] rolling countryside effect, so you feel like you're walking around a small planetoid filled with pop-up 2D sprites." Joystiq
's Randy Nelson lauded the visual and audio design of the game, and stated, "[it] resonates with charm created by artists, animators and Gilbert's own writing." GamePro
s Will Herring added that the game had a "charming visual design."
The gameplay was also point of high praise among most reviewers, however elements of it were criticized. Martin Gaston of VideoGamer.com stated, "the game goes out of its way to ensure you're always taking on new and different enemies." Randy Nelson of Joystiq noted that the game was diverse in its puzzles, adding that the developers strayed from stereotypical quotas such as killing a certain amount of enemies. IGN
's Kristine Steimer disagreed, and noted that due to experiences in past Gilbert-designed games, she expected more quests which included puzzles. She stated, "I was expecting a bit more given the developer's background." Martin Gaston of VideoGamer.com later stated that DeathSpank "all feels a bit diluted, as if a single drop of Diablo and Monkey Island has been added to an entire gallon of water." Destructoid's Nick Chester praised the combat system and role-playing elements. "Chaining attacks is exceedingly satisfying, experimenting with various weapon combinations nearly as addictive as finding them in the first place" stated Chester Some reviewers noted that the addition of cooperative gameplay, while welcome, was unbalanced and underdeveloped. GamePros Will Herring disagreed and stated that the second player's character "won't steal the screen from the titular lead, but the option to team up and complete the game with a friend is a fun and worthwhile distraction."
The PC version of the game received praise for its faithful reproduction of gameplay from the console versions. The addition of keyboard and mouse gameplay received mixed views from critics. Game Revolution's Josh Laddin felt that the keyboard controls were frustrating and said, "the keyboard controls aren't as intuitive as a gamepad." However Marko Djordjevic of GameFocus disagreed and stated, "once you get the hang of it [...] it feels exactly as you’d expect." Djordjevic further appreciated that the cooperative gameplay was ported over from the console versions.
A third game, The Baconing, was released in August 2011. The plot follows DeathSpank after he decides to try on all of the Thongs of Virtue at once. This spawns an evil incarnation of himself, the Anti-Spank. DeathSpank must travel to the Fires of Bacon to destroy the thongs and the Anti-Spank. It will be the first DeathSpank title not to feature the titular character in its name; it has been reported that this has nothing to do with the departure of Ron Gilbert from Hothead Games.
Action role-playing game
Action role-playing games form a loosely defined sub-genre of role-playing video games that incorporate elements of action or action-adventure games, emphasizing real-time action where the player has direct control over characters, instead of turn-based or menu-based combat...
by game designer Ron Gilbert
Ron Gilbert
Ron Gilbert is an American computer game designer, programmer, and producer, best known for his work on several classic LucasArts adventure games, including Maniac Mansion and the first two Monkey Island games. Gilbert was also co-founder of Humongous Entertainment and its sister company Cavedog...
. It was developed by Hothead Games
Hothead Games
Hothead Games is an independent video game developer and publisher based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Hothead is best known for its role-playing/adventure video game series, On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, based on the Penny Arcade webcomic...
and published by Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
. The game was released on July 13, 2010 on the PlayStation 3
PlayStation 3
The is the third home video game console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment and the successor to the PlayStation 2 as part of the PlayStation series. The PlayStation 3 competes with Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
via the PlayStation Network and on July 14, 2010 on the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
via Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...
. The Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
and Mac OS X
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
versions were released October 26, 2010 and December 14, 2010, respectively via Steam.
DeathSpank follows the titular character DeathSpank in his quest to find an item known as The Artifact. The game was originally supposed to be the first of a two part series. The second half of the series, entitled DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue
DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue
DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue is an action role-playing game by game designer Ron Gilbert and is the sequel to DeathSpank. It was announced on August 23, 2010. The game adds new environments, modernized weapons, increased boss fights, and a new multiplayer character...
was first released on September 20, 2010. Gilbert described DeathSpank as being "Act I" in the story, and Thongs of Virtue as being "Acts II and III". However, it was later announced that Deathspank was returning for a third game entitled, The Baconing
The Baconing
The Baconing is an action RPG video game developed by Hothead Games. It was published by Valcon Games on the Xbox 360 and independently on all other platforms. It was released August 30, 2011 for PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation Network and August 31, 2011 for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows via...
, abandoning the titular character's name in its title. The third game was released on August 30, 2011.
DeathSpank has received generally positive reviews from critics, who cited influences from both the Monkey Island and Diablo
Diablo (series)
Diablo is an action role-playing game franchise owned and produced by Blizzard Entertainment. , the series has sold over 18.5 million copies worldwide.-Story:...
games. At aggregate website GameRankings it holds scores of 78.88%, 79.50%, and 79.60% for the PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, and the Xbox 360, respectively. The Xbox 360 version has sold over 91,000 units as of October 2010, with 2010 totals exceeding 97,000 units. The PlayStation 3 version has similar numbers, with year-end 2010 totals of nearly 107,000 units.
Gameplay
DeathSpank is an action role-playing gameAction role-playing game
Action role-playing games form a loosely defined sub-genre of role-playing video games that incorporate elements of action or action-adventure games, emphasizing real-time action where the player has direct control over characters, instead of turn-based or menu-based combat...
which also features elements from graphic adventure game
Graphic adventure game
A graphic adventure game is a form of adventure game. They are distinct from text adventures. Whereas a player must actively observe using commands such as "look" in a text-based adventure, graphic adventures revolutionized gameplay by making use of natural human perception...
s. Combat gameplay is similar to Diablo
Diablo (video game)
Diablo is a dark fantasy-themed action role-playing game developed by Blizzard North and released by Blizzard Entertainment on December 31, 1996....
. Players can acquire several pieces of armor and weaponry, each with different abilities and attributes. During combat players can chain attacks in combo
Combo
Combo may refer to:*A small musical ensemble, especially in jazz*Combo Waterhole, a real location in Australia, believed to be the inspiration for Waltzing Matilda...
s, which in turn deal more damage with each hit. As more hits are gained on enemies, DeathSpank's Justice Meter will fill. Once full, the player can unleash more powerful attacks for a limited time.
In-game conversations with non-player character
Non-player character
A non-player character , sometimes known as a non-person character or non-playable character, in a game is any fictional character not controlled by a player. In electronic games, this usually means a character controlled by the computer through artificial intelligence...
s are also a large part of the game. DeathSpank features advanced dialog options, similar to LucasArts
LucasArts
LucasArts Entertainment Company, LLC is an American video game developer and publisher. The company was once famous for its innovative line of graphic adventure games, the critical and commercial success of which peaked in the mid 1990s...
' Monkey Island series which play a large part in unfolding the game's story. These conversations may lead to quests for DeathSpank. In all, the game features 79 side quests in addition to the 33 quests required to advance the main plot. Once the game is completed the player can return and complete any unfinished side quests.
DeathSpank is designed to be playable in short segments, and has three difficulty levels. It contains about 8 to 12 hours of gameplay depending on choices made by the player during the game. The world of DeathSpank is presented as a miniature planetoid, with the display having a rounded element, similar to Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy
is a 3D platform game developed by Nintendo EAD Tokyo and published by Nintendo for the Wii. It was released in most regions in November 2007, and is the third 3D original platformer in the Mario series, after Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. The game follows the protagonist, Mario, on a...
. The world is a mixture of 2D
2D computer graphics
2D computer graphics is the computer-based generation of digital images—mostly from two-dimensional models and by techniques specific to them...
and 3D
3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...
props on 3D terrain, and is rendered without load screens as the player moves between areas. The game also features a local cooperative
Cooperative gameplay
Cooperative gameplay is a feature in video games that allows players to work together as teammates. It is distinct from other multiplayer modes, such as competitive multiplayer modes like player versus player or deathmatch...
mode, in which the second player takes the role of Sparkles the Wizard. Sparkles is equipped with multiple spells which provide support to DeathSpank, including a healing spell.
Synopsis
DeathSpank is set in a fantasyFantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
medieval world. It revolves around a character named DeathSpank, who has searched his entire life for an item known as The Artifact, a mysterious object whose purpose is equally mysterious. He travels with a wizard known as Sparkles, and the duo seek to claim The Artifact and rid the land of evil. The story begins with The Artifact just out of DeathSpank's reach. Unable to claim it, he meets with a local witch, who promises to help him in exchange for his services. He provides her with her requested items, and eventually obtains The Artifact.
The victory is short lived, however, as a group of henchmen who serve the evil Lord Von Prong steal The Artifact and all of DeathSpank's equipment. Traveling to a nearby town, he earns new weaponry from the townsfolk in exchange for doing good deeds. Re-equipped, he sets his sights back on The Artifact and Lord Von Prong. After a lengthy journey with several side quests throughout various locations, DeathSpank faces off against Lord Von Prong. He defeats Von Prong, and DeathSpank ends with a prelude to the game's sequel.
Development and marketing
DeathSpank was first confirmed on January 9, 2008 via a press release. The release stated that game designer Ron GilbertRon Gilbert
Ron Gilbert is an American computer game designer, programmer, and producer, best known for his work on several classic LucasArts adventure games, including Maniac Mansion and the first two Monkey Island games. Gilbert was also co-founder of Humongous Entertainment and its sister company Cavedog...
would be joining forces to develop the game. Gilbert described it as "Monkey Island
The Secret of Monkey Island
The Secret of Monkey Island is a graphic adventure game developed by Lucasfilm Games and published by the same company after its name was changed to LucasArts. The game spawned a number of sequels, collectively known as the Monkey Island series...
meets Diablo
Diablo (video game)
Diablo is a dark fantasy-themed action role-playing game developed by Blizzard North and released by Blizzard Entertainment on December 31, 1996....
." Three cinematic teaser trailers for DeathSpank were shown at Penny Arcade Expo
Penny Arcade Expo
The Penny Arcade Expo is a semi-annual gamer festival held in Seattle and Boston. PAX was created by Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, the authors of the Penny Arcade webcomic, because they wanted to attend a show that gave equal attention to console gamers, computer gamers, and tabletop...
2008. During the 2009 Penny Arcade Expo DeathSpank was showcased at the Hothead Games
Hothead Games
Hothead Games is an independent video game developer and publisher based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Hothead is best known for its role-playing/adventure video game series, On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, based on the Penny Arcade webcomic...
booth, with live gameplay being demonstrated by staff, along with examples of story elements, and dialogue trees. It was announced on March 4, 2010 that Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts, Inc. is a major American developer, marketer, publisher and distributor of video games. Founded and incorporated on May 28, 1982 by Trip Hawkins, the company was a pioneer of the early home computer games industry and was notable for promoting the designers and programmers...
would publish the game.
The game was released on July 13, 2010, on the PlayStation Network and July 14, 2010, on Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...
. It was later released for Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
on October 26, 2010, and on Mac OS X December 14, 2010. The PC and Mac OS X versions support a wide range of resolutions, the ability to run the game windowed, input by keyboard and mouse as well as gamepad, alternate control schemes, and a key mapping ability. Gameplay enhancements based on feedback from the console versions include an equipment comparison function, a treasure chest feature in each town and major area, a new streamlined user interface and more. These versions also make use of Steam Cloud and support Steam Achievements and leaderboards.
In an interview with Gamasutra
Gamasutra
Gamasutra is a website founded in 1997 for video game developers. It is owned and operated by UBM TechWeb , a division of United Business Media, and acts as the online sister publication to the print magazine Game Developer...
in June 2008, Gilbert stated that DeathSpank would be an episodic series of games. On March 30, 2009, Ron Gilbert confirmed on his blog that the game would no longer be episodic. Gilbert later revealed that the game had once again become episodic due to the game's size. "Towards the end of production it was determined what we had built was too big for a downloadable game, so the decision was made to split the game in half and the climactic battle with Lord Von Prong was the perfect place. That battle is in essence the end of Act I and it had a nice WTF moment that provided a nice cliff hanger" he stated. Gilbert has described DeathSpank as being "Act I" in his story, and Thongs of Virtue as being "Acts II and III".
The title character originated in Ron Gilbert's Grumpy Gamer comics, created by Gilbert and Clayton Kauzlaric
Clayton Kauzlaric
Clayton Kauzlaric is a game designer, writer and animator. He and Ron Gilbert co-created episodic adventure game called DeathSpank, produced at Hothead Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. Kauzlaric was a founding member of Cavedog Entertainment and was the founder of Beep Industries, a first...
, who they later developed further. The character DeathSpank is voiced by Michael Dobson. Gilbert and Kauzlaric created a rough design for the game and pitched it to publishers for over four years without success. Previously, Gilbert had consulted for Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness
Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness
Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness is an episodic action-adventure video game series based on the webcomic Penny Arcade....
at Hothead Games; he contacted them and a deal was struck for the company to develop the game. A more in-depth design for DeathSpank was then produced. Kauzlaric remained involved with the project, consulting on design, story and concept art. Gilbert departed Hothead Games upon completion of the game.
Reception
DeathSpank has received generally positive reviews from critics. At aggregate website GameRankings it holds scores of 78.88%, 79.50%, and 79.60% for the PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, and the Xbox 360, respectively. Fellow aggregate website MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
reports similar scores, with both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions averaging 79/100 and the PC version holding a score of 78/100. The game has sold over 91,000 units as of October 2010 with a total of over 97,000 units as of year-end 2010. The PlayStation 3 version sold similarly, with nearly 107,000 units sold at the end of 2010. Some critics cited elements The Secret of Monkey Island
The Secret of Monkey Island
The Secret of Monkey Island is a graphic adventure game developed by Lucasfilm Games and published by the same company after its name was changed to LucasArts. The game spawned a number of sequels, collectively known as the Monkey Island series...
and Diablo
Diablo (video game)
Diablo is a dark fantasy-themed action role-playing game developed by Blizzard North and released by Blizzard Entertainment on December 31, 1996....
in the game.
The game's humor was lauded among most critics. Thierry Nguyen of 1UP.com
1UP.com
1UP.com is a video game website owned by IGN Entertainment, a division of News Corporation. Previously, the site was owned by Ziff Davis before being sold to UGO Entertainment in 2009....
enjoyed the character's interactions, and noted, "a sort of deadpan absurdity where pretty much anything [...] gets said as naturally as we would discuss the time of day." Game Revolution
Game Revolution
Game Revolution or GR is a gaming website created in 1996. Based in Berkeley, California, the site includes reviews, previews, a gaming download area, cheats, and a merchandise store, as well as webcomics, screenshots, and videos...
's Duke Ferris agreed, and stated the game was "genuinely funny." He then pointed out several instances of humorous quests, conversations, and actions. XPlay
XPlay
XPlay is a drag and drop application created by Mediafour. This third party program allows for easier access of digital music on an iPod and is not supported by Apple...
's Rob Manuel stated that "most of the thanks here should go to Ron Gilbert." He then referenced two of Gilbert's previous games, The Secret of Monkey Island
The Secret of Monkey Island
The Secret of Monkey Island is a graphic adventure game developed by Lucasfilm Games and published by the same company after its name was changed to LucasArts. The game spawned a number of sequels, collectively known as the Monkey Island series...
and Maniac Mansion
Maniac Mansion
Maniac Mansion is a 1987 graphic adventure game developed and published by Lucasfilm Games. It was Lucasfilm's first published video game, and it was initially released for the Commodore 64 and Apple II. A comedy horror parody of B movies, it follows teenager Dave Miller as he ventures...
. Manuel went on to add, "his sharp and often dark sense of humor permeates everything from quests to settings." Eurogamer
Eurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
's Dan Pearson felt the humor was borderline irreverent and said, "I can't help feel I'm not really part of DeathSpanks target audience."
Critics universally applauded the unique art style of DeathSpank. GameSpot
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
's Tom Mc Shea called the visuals "imaginative", and added, "the colorful visuals are reason enough to check out every corner." The reviewers from Australia's Good Game
Good Game
Good Game is an Australian video gaming talk show television programme created by Janet Carr and Jeremy Ray currently on ABC2. It premiered on ABC on 19 September 2006...
said they "liked [DeathSpanks] rolling countryside effect, so you feel like you're walking around a small planetoid filled with pop-up 2D sprites." Joystiq
Joystiq
Joystiq is a video gaming blog founded in June 2004 that has since become one of the most successful sites within the Weblogs, Inc. family of weblogs. It is the centerpiece of WIN's own network of video gaming blogs, which also includes a blog dealing specifically with the popular MMORPG World of...
's Randy Nelson lauded the visual and audio design of the game, and stated, "[it] resonates with charm created by artists, animators and Gilbert's own writing." GamePro
GamePro
GamePro Media was a United States gaming media company publishing online and print content on the video game industry, video game hardware, and video game software developed for a video game console , a computer, and/or a mobile device . GamePro Media properties include GamePro magazine and...
s Will Herring added that the game had a "charming visual design."
The gameplay was also point of high praise among most reviewers, however elements of it were criticized. Martin Gaston of VideoGamer.com stated, "the game goes out of its way to ensure you're always taking on new and different enemies." Randy Nelson of Joystiq noted that the game was diverse in its puzzles, adding that the developers strayed from stereotypical quotas such as killing a certain amount of enemies. IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
's Kristine Steimer disagreed, and noted that due to experiences in past Gilbert-designed games, she expected more quests which included puzzles. She stated, "I was expecting a bit more given the developer's background." Martin Gaston of VideoGamer.com later stated that DeathSpank "all feels a bit diluted, as if a single drop of Diablo and Monkey Island has been added to an entire gallon of water." Destructoid's Nick Chester praised the combat system and role-playing elements. "Chaining attacks is exceedingly satisfying, experimenting with various weapon combinations nearly as addictive as finding them in the first place" stated Chester Some reviewers noted that the addition of cooperative gameplay, while welcome, was unbalanced and underdeveloped. GamePros Will Herring disagreed and stated that the second player's character "won't steal the screen from the titular lead, but the option to team up and complete the game with a friend is a fun and worthwhile distraction."
The PC version of the game received praise for its faithful reproduction of gameplay from the console versions. The addition of keyboard and mouse gameplay received mixed views from critics. Game Revolution's Josh Laddin felt that the keyboard controls were frustrating and said, "the keyboard controls aren't as intuitive as a gamepad." However Marko Djordjevic of GameFocus disagreed and stated, "once you get the hang of it [...] it feels exactly as you’d expect." Djordjevic further appreciated that the cooperative gameplay was ported over from the console versions.
Sequels
DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue, the second title in the series, was announced August 23, 2010 and first released September 20, 2010. It continues where DeathSpank ends, and features the use of ranged weapons such as machine guns and rocket launchers. It was first released on the PlayStation 3 on September 21, 2010. The Xbox 360 version was released September 22, 2010 and the PC version November 30, 2010. The Mac OS X version was December 14, 2010.A third game, The Baconing, was released in August 2011. The plot follows DeathSpank after he decides to try on all of the Thongs of Virtue at once. This spawns an evil incarnation of himself, the Anti-Spank. DeathSpank must travel to the Fires of Bacon to destroy the thongs and the Anti-Spank. It will be the first DeathSpank title not to feature the titular character in its name; it has been reported that this has nothing to do with the departure of Ron Gilbert from Hothead Games.