DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue
Encyclopedia
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. Thongs of Virtue was released on September 21, 2010 on the PlayStation 3
via the PlayStation Network and on September 22, 2010 on the Xbox 360
via Xbox Live Arcade
. The Microsoft Windows
and Mac OS X
versions were released November 30, 2010 and December 14, 2010, respectively via Steam.
DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue follows the titular character DeathSpank as he searches for the six mystical Thongs of Virtue. The game is the second of a two part series, and the story begins immediately after the end of the first title. The first half of the series, entitled DeathSpank was first released on July 13, 2010. Gilbert described DeathSpank as being "Act I" in the story, and Thongs of Virtue as being "Acts II and III".
Critics received the game with generally positive remarks. Aggregate website GameRankings reports scores of 78.50%, 79.88%, and 82.50% for the PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, and the Xbox 360, respectively. Initial sales have been strong, with the Xbox 360 version selling nearly 32,000 units and the PlayStation 3 version nearly 39,000 units in 2010. Critics enjoyed the continued humor, visual design and gameplay from the original game, however some critics felt that it was not different enough from the first game.
, featuring hundreds of pieces of armor and weapons. Advanced dialog options, similar to LucasArts
' Monkey Island series, also play a large part in unfolding the game's story.
The game is being designed to be playable in short segments, and has three difficulty levels. It contains from 8 to 12 hours of gameplay depending on choices made during gameplay. In addition to the thirty-three main quests, players have the option of performing a total of 79 side quests. After defeating the final boss, the player can continue to play in the environment, with money in the form of green currency rather than gold coins. Thongs of Virtue includes modern and sci-fi elements, including ranged weapons such as bazooka
s, machine gun
s, and rifle
s. Extraterrestrial aliens
are also introduced as a new enemy.
via the PlayStation Network and then on September 22, 2010 on the Xbox 360
via Xbox Live Arcade
. The Microsoft Windows
and Mac OS X
versions were released November 30, 2010 and December 14, 2010, respectively via Steam. According to Ron Gilbert, both parts of DeathSpank were developed at the same time, with his equal involvement in both of them. Originally it was meant to be released as one giant game, but it became too big for one downloadable game, so the developers split it into two. Gilbert has said that part two represents "Act II and III" of DeathSpank, and "wraps up the story nicely."
reports similar scores, with both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions averaging 78/100 and the PC version also scoring 78/100. The game has sold over 25,000 units as of October 2010 on the Xbox 360, and nearly 32,000 as of end-of-year 2010. The PlayStation 3 version sold a slightly higher number of copies with almost 39,000 units moved. As with DeathSpank, critics cited elements The Secret of Monkey Island
and Diablo
in the game.
Critics generally praised that the game stayed true to the original while adding some new gameplay mechanics and expanding the story. Taylor Cocke of 1UP.com
stated "the return of DeathSpank yields an almost identical experience, in a really good way." Eurogamer
's Kristan Reed agreed and noted that it is "a continuation of the same game. For those of you who loved part one, that can only be a good thing." In contrast Game Revolution
's Nick Tan noted that the only changes in the game were the weaponry, setting and dialogue, and added that it "copies much from the original."
The new gameplay mechanics received mixed opinions from reviewers. Daemon Hatfield of IGN
praised the addition of new weaponry but noted that those who played the first game will need no introduction to Thongs of Virtue gameplay. He stated "It will feel very familiar to anyone who played the first DeathSpank, but it remains incredibly addictive." 1UP.com's Taylor Cocke felt that more could have been done to differentiate Thongs of Virtue from its predecessor. He commended Hothead Games for releasing the sequel so quickly, but felt "that [it] has obviously come at the expense of any big improvements over the first one."
DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtues humor, visual design and voice acting generally received praise, with some exceptions. Kristan Reed of Eurogamer felt that "the poop gags [were] a little wearisome" but added "a sprinkling of the old Gilbert magic makes it a worthwhile ride." In comparison to DeathSpank, IGN's Daemon Hatfield felt that Thongs of Virtue was "addictive, just as pretty, and I dare say it's even a little funnier." Ryan Vincent from GameZone
thought the game's new setting gave the game "far more charm and personality than the first DeathSpank."
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...
and is the sequel to DeathSpank
DeathSpank
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...
. It was announced on August 23, 2010. The game adds new environments, modernized weapons, increased boss fights, and a new multiplayer character. Thongs of Virtue was released on September 21, 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 September 22, 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 November 30, 2010 and December 14, 2010, respectively via Steam.
DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue follows the titular character DeathSpank as he searches for the six mystical Thongs of Virtue. The game is the second of a two part series, and the story begins immediately after the end of the first title. The first half of the series, entitled DeathSpank was first released on July 13, 2010. Gilbert described DeathSpank as being "Act I" in the story, and Thongs of Virtue as being "Acts II and III".
Critics received the game with generally positive remarks. Aggregate website GameRankings reports scores of 78.50%, 79.88%, and 82.50% for the PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, and the Xbox 360, respectively. Initial sales have been strong, with the Xbox 360 version selling nearly 32,000 units and the PlayStation 3 version nearly 39,000 units in 2010. Critics enjoyed the continued humor, visual design and gameplay from the original game, however some critics felt that it was not different enough from the first game.
Gameplay
As with DeathSpank, the gameplay world of DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue is cylinder-shaped and is rendered without load screens as the player explores its unique goings-on. Gameplay is similar to DiabloDiablo (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....
, featuring hundreds of pieces of armor and weapons. 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, also play a large part in unfolding the game's story.
The game is being designed to be playable in short segments, and has three difficulty levels. It contains from 8 to 12 hours of gameplay depending on choices made during gameplay. In addition to the thirty-three main quests, players have the option of performing a total of 79 side quests. After defeating the final boss, the player can continue to play in the environment, with money in the form of green currency rather than gold coins. Thongs of Virtue includes modern and sci-fi elements, including ranged weapons such as bazooka
Bazooka
Bazooka is the common name for a man-portable recoilless rocket antitank weapon, widely fielded by the U.S. Army. Also referred to as the "Stovepipe", the innovative bazooka was amongst the first-generation of rocket propelled anti-tank weapons used in infantry combat...
s, machine gun
Machine gun
A machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
s, and rifle
Rifle
A rifle is a firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, with a barrel that has a helical groove or pattern of grooves cut into the barrel walls. The raised areas of the rifling are called "lands," which make contact with the projectile , imparting spin around an axis corresponding to the...
s. Extraterrestrial aliens
Extraterrestrial life
Extraterrestrial life is defined as life that does not originate from Earth...
are also introduced as a new enemy.
Synopsis
DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue continues where DeathSpank ended. The title character, DeathSpank, has collected The Artifact. He now searches for the six mystical Thongs of Virtue. As with the previous game, DeathSpank adventures with a companion. His cohort Steve is a ninja turned criminal. DeathSpank's companion from the first game, Sparkles the wizard, can also accompany DeathSpank in place of Steve. Together they must find and destroy the six Thongs of Virtue to restore peace to the land.Development and marketing
DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue was announced August 23, 2010, shortly after the release of its predecessor, DeathSpank. It was first released on September 21, 2010 on the PlayStation 3PlayStation 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 then on September 22, 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 November 30, 2010 and December 14, 2010, respectively via Steam. According to Ron Gilbert, both parts of DeathSpank were developed at the same time, with his equal involvement in both of them. Originally it was meant to be released as one giant game, but it became too big for one downloadable game, so the developers split it into two. Gilbert has said that part two represents "Act II and III" of DeathSpank, and "wraps up the story nicely."
Reception
DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue has received generally positive reviews from critics. At aggregate website GameRankings it holds scores of 78.50%, 79.88%, and 82.50% 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 78/100 and the PC version also scoring 78/100. The game has sold over 25,000 units as of October 2010 on the Xbox 360, and nearly 32,000 as of end-of-year 2010. The PlayStation 3 version sold a slightly higher number of copies with almost 39,000 units moved. As with DeathSpank, 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.
Critics generally praised that the game stayed true to the original while adding some new gameplay mechanics and expanding the story. Taylor Cocke 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....
stated "the return of DeathSpank yields an almost identical experience, in a really good way." 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 Kristan Reed agreed and noted that it is "a continuation of the same game. For those of you who loved part one, that can only be a good thing." In contrast 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 Nick Tan noted that the only changes in the game were the weaponry, setting and dialogue, and added that it "copies much from the original."
The new gameplay mechanics received mixed opinions from reviewers. Daemon Hatfield of 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...
praised the addition of new weaponry but noted that those who played the first game will need no introduction to Thongs of Virtue gameplay. He stated "It will feel very familiar to anyone who played the first DeathSpank, but it remains incredibly addictive." 1UP.com's Taylor Cocke felt that more could have been done to differentiate Thongs of Virtue from its predecessor. He commended Hothead Games for releasing the sequel so quickly, but felt "that [it] has obviously come at the expense of any big improvements over the first one."
DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtues humor, visual design and voice acting generally received praise, with some exceptions. Kristan Reed of Eurogamer felt that "the poop gags [were] a little wearisome" but added "a sprinkling of the old Gilbert magic makes it a worthwhile ride." In comparison to DeathSpank, IGN's Daemon Hatfield felt that Thongs of Virtue was "addictive, just as pretty, and I dare say it's even a little funnier." Ryan Vincent from GameZone
GameZone
GameZone is an American multiplatform video game website. GameZone's daily coverage includes reviews, previews, news, hints & cheats, and editorials. Additionally, GameZone offers downloads, a child-targeted website and in association with GameStop, hosts GZGameShop, an online retailer...
thought the game's new setting gave the game "far more charm and personality than the first DeathSpank."