DeathSpank, also known as DeathSpank: Orphans of Justice, is an action role-playing video game developed by Hothead Games and published by Electronic Arts. It was created by game designers Ron Gilbert and Clayton Kauzlaric. 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 protagonist'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.
Gameplay
DeathSpank is an action role-playing game which also features elements from graphic adventure games. 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 combos, 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 characters 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 rotating cylinder, with the display having a rounded element, similar to Animal Crossing: Wild World. 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.
Synopsis
DeathSpank is set in a fantasy 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 Gilbert 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.