Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[EA Indie Bundle challenges your definitions, is live on Steam now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/ea-indie-bundle-challenges-your-definitions-is-live-on-steam-no/#comments ImageThe EA Indie Bundle (yes, we assure you, it is barely-100-percent-mostly-ish possible for EA to have an indie bundle) is live on Steam, offering 70 percent off a package of six titles from four indie developers, or half off each individual game.

Included in the sale is Warp, Shank, Shank 2, DeathSpank, DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue and Gatling Gears. The DeathSpank titles are $7.50 individually and are available on PC and Mac through Steamplay, while the rest of EA's indies cost $5 and are PC only.

Indie Game Magazine first spotted the bundle in the super-secret Steam registry files this morning. The sale is now officially on, set to disappear from Steam in one week on May 9.

JoystiqEA Indie Bundle challenges your definitions, is live on Steam now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleDeathSpankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-VirtueEAElectronic-ArtsGatling-GearsHothead-GamesIndieindie-bundleklei-entertainmentmacpcsaleshankshank-2STEAMtrapdoor-incVanguard-GameswarpWed, 02 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Baconing review: Hacked and slashed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/the-baconing-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/the-baconing-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/the-baconing-review/#comments "The only constant in this world is change." Wait, no, that doesn't work. "You can't change the past, but you can work to change the future." Nope, that doesn't do the trick either. "War. War never changes." No, wrong game. Hm. Here's the thing: The Baconing has a lot more of the same DeathSpank flavor you're likely used to, but without a lot of the stuff that made DeathSpank good. I guess there's not a cliched "change" quote that quite works there, huh?

Sure, the self-obsessed hero of Hothead's first two DeathSpank games is still there. There's still a whole bunch of quests strewn throughout a whimsical and colorful world. And yeah, the writing is still laden with puns and excretory humor, and is presented by a cast of solid comedic voice actors. The hero to the downtrodden still gets wacky loot like the mafioso-looking Pinstripe Platemail as he hacks and slashes his way through bizarre enemies. All that stuff is still there -- but, sadly, it's hidden under a mound of major problems.

Gallery: The Baconing (8/8/11)

Continue reading The Baconing review: Hacked and slashed

JoystiqThe Baconing review: Hacked and slashed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankdeathspank-the-baconingelectronic-artsHothead-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3psnthe-baconingxblaxboxWed, 31 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Baconing begins on Aug. 31 on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/the-baconing-begins-on-aug-31-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/the-baconing-begins-on-aug-31-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/the-baconing-begins-on-aug-31-on-xbla/#comments You and Deathspank need a fresh start. Sure, you've had a lot of fun in his last two games, no one's trying to deny that. But there's ... a certain distance that neither of you can ignore. He's ready to change, though. He's so committed to the new beginning that he's dropped his name from The Baconing. It's not just about him, anymore ... it's about the both of you.

And even though he'll be involved with a big PSN promotion when he launches on Aug. 30, he's not going to make 360 owners wait for him. That's the sort of thing the old Deathspank would have done. The new Deathspank is going to get up the very next day, put on six multicolored thongs and launch on XBLA on Aug. 31.

And if you should notice him swinging his sword just a little harder as you look on, or reaching further than normal for a pun, just know ... that's him trying.

JoystiqThe Baconing begins on Aug. 31 on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankdeathspank-the-baconingHothead-Gamesmicrosoftrelease-datethe-baconingxblaxboxThu, 18 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kard Combat gets four new mages and two new modes in free update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/kard-combat-gets-four-new-mages-and-two-new-modes-in-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/kard-combat-gets-four-new-mages-and-two-new-modes-in-free-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/kard-combat-gets-four-new-mages-and-two-new-modes-in-free-update/#comments Have you already burned your way through the four main campaigns of Hothead's recently released iOS strategy title, Kard Combat? First of all, you need to slow the heck down. How are you supposed to enjoy anything in life if you consume it with such terrible avarice? Secondly, you'll want to update the game through the App Store as soon as humanly possible -- the developer recently launched a massive update for the title, which notably adds four new decks to the mix: Demon, Chaos, Deception and Arcane.

These new decks and campaigns (as well as a new Challenge mode and Timed Multiplayer mode) are free to anyone who purchased the full game unlock -- as all future deck expansions to the title will be. We're glad every other TCG on the planet isn't quite as generous. We're not sure the support struts of our house could withstand the weight of all those metric tons of Pokémon cards.

Continue reading Kard Combat gets four new mages and two new modes in free update

JoystiqKard Combat gets four new mages and two new modes in free update originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hothead-Gamesioskard-combatmobiletcgupdateWed, 10 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hothead's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy app coming this fall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/hotheads-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-app-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/hotheads-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-app-coming-this-fall/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/hotheads-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-app-coming-this-fall/#comments Hothead Games is working on an interactive version of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy for iPhone and iPad, available this fall. This isn't an adaptation of the beloved series by Douglas Adams, mind you, but of the guide itself. Meaning, attorneys from Megadodo Publications -- the established publisher of the original guide -- should be sending a cease and desist letter through an interdimensional portal at any moment to stop the app's production. There are those who will argue that such a legal maneuver would be impossible, given the fictitious existence of the publisher, but we'd posit that such a tactic is merely improbable and, therefore, likely to happen.

The developers plan to take "the standard repository for all knowledge and wisdom" and make it available to the mostly harmless masses of Earth. We, at Joystiq, would like to warn all those reading that if humanity gets its hands on this device, it will accelerate the question to the answer of 42. Therefore, we advise nobody panic. Simply grab your towel and find the first alien you can with transport off this rock before the Vogon construction fleet shows up.*

*Yes, we understand that there is a correlation vs. causation debate to be had here, but would you rather argue the point or grab a drink at The Restaurant at the End of the Universe?

Continue reading Hothead's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy app coming this fall

JoystiqHothead's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy app coming this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxyHothead-GamesiOSmobilethe-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxyWed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Baconing preview: New blood]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/the-baconing-preview-new-blood-old-thongs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/the-baconing-preview-new-blood-old-thongs/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/the-baconing-preview-new-blood-old-thongs/#comments Producer Mike Inglehart and his team at Hothead seem to be serious about making The Baconing the best entry in the Deathspank series yet. Prior to jumping into my demo, director of marketing Oliver Birch showed off a 17-page Word document filled with complaints and ideas for improvement, taken directly from their community. You talked, and Hothead says it listened.

But one of the biggest changes is the addition of producer Inglehart, who recently joined Hothead and has been tasked with overseeing this third entry in the irreverent series. The Next Level Games transplant dove headfirst into refining the The Baconing, creating what he thinks is not only a funny game, but also one that is less monotonous than its predecessors. One thing is certain: it's definitely more challenging, as several deaths during my demo will attest.

Gallery: The Baconing (8/8/11)

Continue reading The Baconing preview: New blood

JoystiqThe Baconing preview: New blood originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankdeathspank-the-baconingHothead-Gamesmicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-baconingxboxMon, 08 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kickin' Momma is Hothead's new iOS game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/kickin-momma-is-hotheads-new-ios-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/kickin-momma-is-hotheads-new-ios-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/kickin-momma-is-hotheads-new-ios-game/#comments Kickin Momma logo
Hothead, developer of DeathSpank and Kard Combat, has announced its next project, Kickin' Momma. The company released the first trailer for the game, showing off what looks like something of a cross between Angry Birds and Peggle. Kickin' Momma features a large "momma" creature - who looks an awful lot like a Swarmite - who kicks her tiny offspring into a field of pegs in order to gather precious gems.

The game is slated to arrive as universal iOS app on August 4.

JoystiqKickin' Momma is Hothead's new iOS game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hothead-Gamesiosipadiphonekickin-mommamobileThu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portabliss: Kard Combat (iOS)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/portabliss-kard-combat-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/portabliss-kard-combat-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/portabliss-kard-combat-ios/#comments Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy -- and that's where we come in. Three times a week, our new Portabliss column will tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Kard Combat!
Considering the microtransactional crossover between traditional trading card games and iOS apps, it's astonishing the two haven't blown up into their own, obscenely lucrative industry. Not that I'm complaining -- my wallet can't afford to be gripped by the plaguing addiction of another Magic: The Gathering or Pokémon TCG. Perhaps that's why I enjoy Kard Combat as much as I do; not only is it an excellent, compelling game, but it also won't send you into an inescapable spiral of bankruptcy, which is awfully nice of it.

This mercy is surprising, considering the involvement of Magic creator Richard Garfield, whose influence can be seen in Kard Combat's every mechanic. The game actually plays like a smartly boiled-down version of Wizards of the Coast's TCG: two players summon creatures using mana to attack the opposing team's roster or, with luck, the other player themselves.

Gallery: Kard Combat (iPhone/iPad)

Continue reading Portabliss: Kard Combat (iOS)

JoystiqPortabliss: Kard Combat (iOS) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardshothead-gamesioskard-combatmobileportablissrichard-garfieldtcgWed, 13 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Baconing trailer features a bored DeathSpank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/the-baconing-trailer-features-a-bored-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/the-baconing-trailer-features-a-bored-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/the-baconing-trailer-features-a-bored-deathspank/#comments The only problem with saving the world, it seems, is boredom. With all the monsters slain and damsels (sort of) saved, there's just nothing left to do. Thankfully, something evil is on the horizon in the latest trailer for The Baconing. The AntiSpank, perhaps?

JoystiqThe Baconing trailer features a bored DeathSpank originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspank-the-baconingHothead-Gamesmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-baconingxboxThu, 30 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Baconing details and screens sizzle, pop onto internet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/the-baconing-details-and-screens-sizzle-pop-onto-internet/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/the-baconing-details-and-screens-sizzle-pop-onto-internet/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/the-baconing-details-and-screens-sizzle-pop-onto-internet/#comments
Hothead has shed some new light on The Baconing. It would seem that DeathSpank's new adventure takes place directly after Thongs of Virtue, and deals with the aftermath of Deathspank foolishly donning all six of them at the same time. As a result, he summons an evil version of himself: the AntiSpank (shouldn't it be LifeSpank?).

Check out some new screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: The Baconing (6/23/11)

Continue reading The Baconing details and screens sizzle, pop onto internet

JoystiqThe Baconing details and screens sizzle, pop onto internet originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspank-the-baconingHothead-Gamesmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-baconingxboxThu, 23 Jun 2011 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hothead Games settles on Kard Combat, deals out some details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/hothead-games-settles-on-kard-combat-deals-out-some-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/hothead-games-settles-on-kard-combat-deals-out-some-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/hothead-games-settles-on-kard-combat-deals-out-some-details/#comments Hothead Games, we have never been this disappointed in you. After you asked for titles for your magically-charged iOS trading card game, and we responded with pure gold like Hocus Poker and Guess Who: Portraits of Power, you went with ... Kard Combat. Sure, it succinctly sums up the free-to-play game's two biggest constituent elements, but we think that moniker could have used a bit of spicing-up. Also, some spell-checking, because "Card" is spelled with a "C," you silly geese.

Magic: The Gathering creator Richard Garfield served as a co-designer on Kard Combat, and explained in a press release, "For years I've wanted to create Magic-like experiences for people who play video games. Kard Combat on iPhone and iPad does this and is simple enough for anyone to pick up and play, but with plenty of depth for the hardcore player." Check out the gallery below and the trailer after the jump to see just what kind of depth we can expect from the egregiously misspelled title.

Gallery: Kard Combat (iPhone/iPad)

Continue reading Hothead Games settles on Kard Combat, deals out some details

JoystiqHothead Games settles on Kard Combat, deals out some details originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cardshothead-gamesioskard-combatmagic-the-gatheringmobiletcgTue, 21 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hothead explains lack of 'DeathSpank' in The Baconing's title]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/hothead-explains-lack-of-deathspank-in-the-baconings-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/hothead-explains-lack-of-deathspank-in-the-baconings-title/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/hothead-explains-lack-of-deathspank-in-the-baconings-title/#comments When Hothead announced the third entry in its dungeon crawl SLASH role-playing series this past week -- titled solely "The Baconing," dropping its usual "DeathSpank" moniker -- we couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the series' main character to get him taken off title duties. Did series creator Ron Gilbert take the rights to the character with him, for instance?

As it turns out, there's a fairly simple reason behind the name change: "We haven't removed the words or name 'DeathSpank' from the title for any legal reason. In fact, the title was changed just by asking our fans," a Hothead rep told Joystiq. Aha! Still, we couldn't help but wonder why Hothead would voluntarily ditch the brand name that it stuck to the last two games, effectively walking away from the brand recognition it built up over the past two entries.

Continue reading Hothead explains lack of 'DeathSpank' in The Baconing's title

JoystiqHothead explains lack of 'DeathSpank' in The Baconing's title originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankdeathspank-the-baconinghotheadhothead-gamesmacmicrosoftmike-inglehartpcplaystationps3ron-gilbertthe-baconingxboxFri, 27 May 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank: The Baconing is the third entry in the DeathSpank series, coming this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/deathspank-the-baconing-is-the-third-entry-in-the-deathspank-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/deathspank-the-baconing-is-the-third-entry-in-the-deathspank-se/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/deathspank-the-baconing-is-the-third-entry-in-the-deathspank-se/#comments DeathSpank's run-ins with the evils of thongs are continuing this summer in a third DeathSpank game for Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and PC/Mac. Hothead revealed as much this afternoon, detailing DeathSpank: The Baconing as the final chapter in DeathSpank's quest "to once and for all destroy the evil power of thongs."

The dev studio tells Kotaku that The Baconing will be "more satisfying to play than last year's games," with a handful of new areas to explore, a brand new sidekick named "Bob from Marketing," and a quartet of new bosses to battle. Hothead also promises gamers will feel "more in control" of DeathSpank's moveset with an overhauled combat system.

As Ron Gilbert is no longer with Hothead, this will be the first game in the series he created to not have him at its helm. And other than the teaser logo shown off in a video clip (found after the break), Hothead has yet to release any visuals for this summer's game. But given that we're wearing shorts even here in the USA's usually frozen Northeast, we imagine those assets aren't far off.

Continue reading DeathSpank: The Baconing is the third entry in the DeathSpank series, coming this summer

JoystiqDeathSpank: The Baconing is the third entry in the DeathSpank series, coming this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspank-the-baconinghotheadhothead-gamesmacmicrosoftpcplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq3-2011release-dateron-gilbertxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeWed, 25 May 2011 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Hothead working on Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/hothead-working-on-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/hothead-working-on-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/hothead-working-on-hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-project/#comments Nothing goes better with our morning Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster than a surprise, and this is a neat one: Hothead Games says it's working with the well-respected and completely fictional Megadodo Publishing to create a new version of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy available for the very first time here on primitive, mostly harmless Earth.

The announcement stopped short of saying if this was an actual game based on the Douglas Adams series or even what platforms it will appear on, but we're sure the end result will be positively hoopy.

JoystiqHothead working on Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy project originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxyhothead-gamesWed, 25 May 2011 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm review: Tough crowd]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/swarm-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/swarm-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/swarm-review/#comments I'd like to think of Swarm as a playful, overtly sadistic embodiment of the phrase, "like lambs to the slaughter." That's a confusing message, because the game casts you in the role of both the shepherd, who must guide an oblivious blue flock to the end of the level, and the slaughterer, who extracts a real benefit from every minced-up minion.

The swarmites are clearly designed to be extinguished -- and to extinguish even the smallest blip of sadness or guilt you might feel upon seeing them crushed, burnt, electrocuted or disintegrated in one of the many death traps scattered across the universe's least hospitable planet. Their eyes project no intelligence, their doughy bodies are devoid of gross internal organs and there's not a single personality in a group of 50. They look like stupid, disposable jelly beans.

You'd think that the game would invite you to revel in their torture, what with all the "death medals" you unlock and an ever-increasing online counter that keeps track of all the splattered simpletons. A good score is crucial to advancement in Swarm, and the only way you'll get one is by building up a time-sensitive multiplier that's fueled by point orbs or sacrificed swarmites. If your blue blob is racing across the screen and you don't see any points, you're encouraged to steer a peripheral peon off a cliff or into a fire. It's like swerving your car through a puddle to soak a roadside pedestrian -- it's a dick move, but it's a guilt-tinged delight and on your way.

Continue reading Swarm review: Tough crowd

JoystiqSwarm review: Tough crowd originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadHothead-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3psnswarmxblaxboxFri, 25 Mar 2011 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm trailer proves that one can be more intimidating than 50]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/swarm-trailer-proves-that-one-can-be-more-intimidating-than-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/swarm-trailer-proves-that-one-can-be-more-intimidating-than-50/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/22/swarm-trailer-proves-that-one-can-be-more-intimidating-than-50/#comments With Swarm available today, Ignition and Hothead have released one last trailer demonstrating exactly who the target audience is for the downloadable multi-character platformer: sadistic children. Sadistic children aged 12 or older, of course -- thanks, PEGI.

Continue reading Swarm trailer proves that one can be more intimidating than 50

JoystiqSwarm trailer proves that one can be more intimidating than 50 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hothead-gamesignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnswarmxblaxboxTue, 22 Mar 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm priced at $15, marches to Euro PSN on March 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/swarm-priced-at-15-marches-to-euro-psn-on-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/swarm-priced-at-15-marches-to-euro-psn-on-march-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/swarm-priced-at-15-marches-to-euro-psn-on-march-30/#comments The Swarm has been granted its European visa and will enter the union on March 23 and 30 on XBLA and PSN, respectively (while North American PSN users can get it on March 22). Taking control of the "pudgy, clueless little blue morons" will cost 1200 Microsoft Points on Xbox and $14.99 on PSN. PlayStation Plus members get a slight discount, downloading the little goobers for $12.99.

On the surface, Swarm sounds like a Pikmin- or Lemmings-style type of game, but it actually has more in common with platformers, as we recently found out in our hands-on preview.

Continue reading Swarm priced at $15, marches to Euro PSN on March 30

JoystiqSwarm priced at $15, marches to Euro PSN on March 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europehotheadHothead-Gamesignitionignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrelease-dateswarmxblaxboxWed, 16 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm storms PSN on March 22, XBLA on March 23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/swarm-storms-psn-on-march-22-xbla-on-march-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/swarm-storms-psn-on-march-22-xbla-on-march-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/swarm-storms-psn-on-march-22-xbla-on-march-23/#comments
Hothead's crazy crowd-control platformer, Swarm, is set to arrive en masse by the end of March. According to the game's official Twitter feed, it'll be available on PlayStation Network on Tuesday, March 22, and then on Xbox Live Arcade the following day.

Though it might appear to be a Lemmings-esque puzzle game, the titular Swarm refers to the blob of rotund, blue guys that you guide as a singular entity, while losing errant members of the crowd to horrific death traps in order to maintain a combo. We're confident that years of giving school tours through the local slaughterhouse have imbued us with enough skill to amass a huge score in this game.

[Thanks, DarkKnightRJ]

JoystiqSwarm storms PSN on March 22, XBLA on March 23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hothead-gamesignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnrelease-dateswarmxblaxboxSun, 13 Mar 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm preview: Extensive expendability]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/swarm-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/swarm-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/swarm-preview/#comments From the premise of Swarm -- guide a group of identical, stupid creatures through trap-filled worlds -- and from screenshots and video, it's easy to assume it's a Pikmin-style action-strategy game, with one player character wielding a small army of critters to fulfill goals. At least, it was easy for me to assume that. But there's a lot more action and a lot less strategy than you're thinking. In fact, Swarm is pretty much a platformer, albeit a platformer in which you control 50 avatars simultaneously.

Now you might be thinking that it would be pretty much impossible to control 50 avatars simultaneously -- and you would be right. In fact, your little Swarmites are constantly dying off due to traps, environmental hazards, and good old-fashioned failed jumps. Not only is this okay, it's necessary; each death increases your score multiplier, and interesting deaths result in in-game awards.

Gallery: Swarm (GDC 2011)

Continue reading Swarm preview: Extensive expendability

JoystiqSwarm preview: Extensive expendability originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2011hothead-gamesignition-entertainmentmicrosoftplaystationps3psnswarmxblaxboxTue, 01 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm trailer runs us through the first level]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/swarm-trailer-runs-us-through-the-first-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/swarm-trailer-runs-us-through-the-first-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/24/swarm-trailer-runs-us-through-the-first-level/#comments If controlling small, isolated hordes of dim-witted beings is something that interests you, then you've got to be spinning in your chair in excitement for Hothead's Swarm. Well, stop before you vomit -- and also so you can watch this new trailer.

Continue reading Swarm trailer runs us through the first level

JoystiqSwarm trailer runs us through the first level originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotheadhothead-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3swarmxboxThu, 24 Feb 2011 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm converging on March launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/swarm-converging-on-march-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/swarm-converging-on-march-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/swarm-converging-on-march-launch/#comments Last time we heard about Swarm, the game was given an "early 2011" release window on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Today, we have news from developer Hothead Games that the blue crowd control-'em-up will hit digital marketplaces sometime in the month of March.

Rounding out the release news is a new "Ask Dr. Mike" trailer and several colorful new screens of the adorable little blue hoard in action. If you're looking for a leg up in the game before it arrives later this year, Dr. Mike has a smattering of helpful hints waiting just after the break.

Gallery: Swarm (2/3/11)

Continue reading Swarm converging on March launch

JoystiqSwarm converging on March launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hothead-gamesmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnq1-2011release-dateswarmutv-ignitionutv-ignition-entertainmentxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeThu, 03 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hothead sheds more light on the death of Penny Arcade Adventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/hothead-sheds-more-light-on-the-death-of-penny-arcade-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/hothead-sheds-more-light-on-the-death-of-penny-arcade-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/hothead-sheds-more-light-on-the-death-of-penny-arcade-adventures/#comments Back when the discontinuation of the Penny Arcade Adventures series was first announced, Team PA explained that the decision was made due to the team's concern about developer Hothead being forced to split attention between PAA and then-recently-announced DeathSpank. As PA writer Jerry Holkins told it: "I think they could've made DeathSpank and Episode 3 but I think Episode 3 would've suffered. I mean, I know it would have suffered. So we'd rather not do it than do it half-assed and so we're going to finish that story but it's going to be on our website."

Today, in an interview with Eurogamer, Hothead director of technology Joel DeYoung laid a little more blame at the feet of Holkins, implying that Tycho's alter ego had trouble keeping up with the workload required. "I think he really struggled to get the volume of text written for Episode 1, and then with Episode 2 coming out so quickly thereafter - it was five-and-a-half months," DeYoung said. "That was not worked on in parallel, and getting him to deliver that text was, er, frankly quite a struggle."

This revelation comes a few days after Hothead erroneously teased that Episode 3 would be produced if the first two sold well on the Mac App Store, a notion that PA artist Mike Krahulik quickly batted down on Twitter.

Though we may never know the real cause behind Episode 3's termination, whether it's Penny Arcade or Hothead that had too much on its plate, we'd imagine the truth, as is usually the case in situations like these, hovers somewhere in between.

JoystiqHothead sheds more light on the death of Penny Arcade Adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hothead-GamesJoel-DeYoungmicrosoftOn-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Episode-2pcpenny-arcadepenny-arcade-adventures-3Penny-Arcade-Adventures-Episode-2penny-arcade-adventures-episode-3Penny-Arcade-Adventures-On-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Penny-Arcade-Episode-2playstationps3xboxFri, 14 Jan 2011 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Penny Arcade Adventures tearing up Mac App Store charts, Ep. 3 still unlikely]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/penny-arcade-adventures-tearing-up-mac-app-store-charts-ep-3-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/penny-arcade-adventures-tearing-up-mac-app-store-charts-ep-3-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/penny-arcade-adventures-tearing-up-mac-app-store-charts-ep-3-s/#comments Just four days after the launch of the Mac App Store, some developers are finding unexpected success. The first two episodes of Hothead Games' truncated Penny Arcade Adventures trilogy are currently ranking high in the bestselling apps chart at number 21 and 56, respectively (and certainly boosted by their $4 sale prices). This prompted the developer to tweet, "We're thrilled that Precipice of Darkness has been doing well on the Mac App Store!"

While that was heartening, it was the now-pulled followup tweet (screen-capped above) that raised eyebrows: "For those of you that want PA Episode 3, all you need to do is get 100,000 of your friends to buy 1&2. Seriously. Do that and we'll make it," a Hothead staffer wrote. Turns out that's not quite the case.

"That's certainly news to me!" Penny Arcade biz dude Robert Khoo told Joystiq, adding, "there's nothing new to say about future [episodes]." Penny Arcade's Mike Krahulik responded to Hothead's tweet, stating simply, "that's actually not true."

Continue reading Penny Arcade Adventures tearing up Mac App Store charts, Ep. 3 still unlikely

JoystiqPenny Arcade Adventures tearing up Mac App Store charts, Ep. 3 still unlikely originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HotheadHothead-Gamesmacmac-app-storemicrosoftOn-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Episode-1On-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Episode-2pcPenny-Arcadepenny-arcade-adventures-3Penny-Arcade-Adventures-Episode-1Penny-Arcade-Adventures-Episode-2penny-arcade-adventures-episode-3Penny-Arcade-Adventures-On-The-Rain-Slick-Precipice-of-Darkness-Penny-Arcade-Episode-1Penny-Arcade-Episode-2playstationps3Robert-KhoosalesVince-CeraldixboxMon, 10 Jan 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue coming to PC, Mac this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-coming-to-pc-mac-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-coming-to-pc-mac-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-coming-to-pc-mac-this-year/#comments The virtuous thongs of DeathSpank's sequel will arrive on PC and Mac later this year, EA has announced. DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue will launch on PC November 30, with a Mac release following on December 14 (the original DeathSpank will be released for Mac the same day as ToV -- that's a lot of spanking!). Like the console versions, Thongs of Virtue will cost $14.99.

DeathSpank: ToV comes with two pieces of free DLC at launch: "Snowy Mountain Dungeon" and "Sidekick Tankko: Half-man, half-spider, and all awesome." If you absolutely can't wait for next Tuesday, a minigame on the DeathSpank website ("DeathSpank: Spank This!") offers you a chance to win free stuff. One grand prize winner will get "a squawkin' chicken, a signed DeathSpank poster, a free copy of DeathSpank, and an Intel Core i7-870." All prize winners, actually, will get that squawkin' chicken, which leads us to believe there's a very large squawkin' chicken population at Hothead. That must make it hard to concentrate on programming.

Continue reading DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue coming to PC, Mac this year

JoystiqDeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue coming to PC, Mac this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtueeaelectronic-artshotheadhothead-gamesmacpcq4-2010release-datesteamWed, 24 Nov 2010 10:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Hothead asks for help in naming its next game -- and we oblige!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/hothead-asks-for-help-in-naming-its-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/hothead-asks-for-help-in-naming-its-next-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/hothead-asks-for-help-in-naming-its-next-game/#comments If you see us walking around over the next few days, randomly shouting phrases like "Card Wizard" and "Spell Deck," we need you to know that we haven't completely lost our minds. We're just trying to come up with some helpful submissions for the name of Hothead's next game.

All we know about the game is that it features wizards, and also cards, as evidenced in the screenshot above. Here's a little inspirational fuel for your brain-fires -- let's see if you can top us, possibly ascending yourself to ludological superstardom in the process:
  • Card Carrying Wizard Club
  • Cardmaster's Quest: Eternal Mana War of the Deckwizards
  • Cards of Duty: Black Arts
  • Get Out of My Dreams, Get Into My Cards
  • Gin Runey
  • Go Fish (With an Enchanted Fishing Pole or Something, I Don't Know)
  • Guess Who: Portraits of Power
  • Hocus Poker
  • Middle Earth Hold 'Em
  • Protect Ya' Deck
  • Yu-Gi-Oh
Just drop your ideas in the comments of Hothead's post, and feel free to also share your cleverness with your fellow commenters below!

[Thanks Austin!]

JoystiqHothead asks for help in naming its next game -- and we oblige! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestguess-who-portraits-of-powerHothead-GamesWed, 17 Nov 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shank and 'Spank now available on PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/shank-and-spank-now-available-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/shank-and-spank-now-available-on-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/shank-and-spank-now-available-on-pc/#comments Shank and DeathSpank are ready for action now on Steam for $15 apiece. Shank doles out death in what the movie advertisements will refer to as a roaring rampage of revenge, while DeathSpank delivers demise at the end of a punch ... line.

We enjoyed both titles when they were first released over the summer on consoles. We found Shank to be a "cure for murder" (but please consult your physician before taking Shank) and said DeathSpank was "built on a solid foundation of time-tested gameplay and bacon."

JoystiqShank and 'Spank now available on PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankEAElectronic-ArtsHothead-Gamesklei-entertainmentpcshanksteamWed, 27 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank soundtracks could be released for free in exchange for 'Likes']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/deathspank-soundtracks-could-be-released-for-free-in-exchange-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/deathspank-soundtracks-could-be-released-for-free-in-exchange-fo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/deathspank-soundtracks-could-be-released-for-free-in-exchange-fo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Are you looking for a set of tunes to listen to while vanquishing scores of foes in search of marginally improved equipment? Sounds like you need the Jeff Tymoschuk-composed soundtracks to DeathSpank and its follow-up, Thongs of Virtue. As revealed on the game's site, the soundtracks might be released for free if enough fans "Like" Hothead Games' official Facebook page. Oh, and in this case, Hothead has quantified "enough fans" as "4,000 fans."

At the time of this writing, the page is currently sitting at a little under 700 members, so you've got a ways to go before the albums are released. Still, if there's anything we know about you guys, it's that you aren't quitters. You're not quitters, are you? You don't seem like quitters.

[Thanks, Patrick]

JoystiqDeathSpank soundtracks could be released for free in exchange for 'Likes' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtuefacebookhothead-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3psnsoundtrackxblaxboxThu, 23 Sep 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue offers free DLC during launch week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-offers-free-dlc-during-launch-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-offers-free-dlc-during-launch-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-offers-free-dlc-during-launch-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Even if it seems oddly soon for a sequel to DeathSpank, it might be worth your while to grab Thongs of Virtue soon rather than letting a more appropriate interim pass. EA announced that those who purchase the followup during the week of launch (September 20-27 on PSN, September 22-28 on XBLA) will get two free items of DLC.

After that period, the "Snowy Mountain Dungeon" and playable co-op character "Sidekick Tankko" will be sold for $2.99/240 Microsoft Points and $0.99/80 Microsoft Points, respectively. That's not much, but it's certainly more than the nothing the DLC costs now. As a side note, now we understand why Thongs of Virtue is a "sequel" and not an "episode." Buying DLC for one part of an episodic game seems weird, but DLC for a separate downloadable game is par for the course.

JoystiqDeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue offers free DLC during launch week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtuedlcea-partnerselectronic-artshothead-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxTue, 21 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Presenting the characters of DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/presenting-the-characters-of-deathspank-thongs-of-virtue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/presenting-the-characters-of-deathspank-thongs-of-virtue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/presenting-the-characters-of-deathspank-thongs-of-virtue/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DeathSpank's humor was one of the things that made it popular enough to warrant a quick sequel, and since that humor was most often driven by the wacky characters, Thongs of Virtue won't lack for funny faces, either. Hothead sent along some profiles of the bosses and allies you'll be meeting as you hunt down the six thongs (there were nine, apparently, but marketing stuck its big nose in and shortened the thong total by three), and you can browse through them in the gallery below.

Our favorite? "Steve," as pictured above. Look, the dude was raised by ninjas and rides a tiny unicorn -- your argument is irrelevant. In fact, is it too late to change the name of the game? Steve: Thongs of Virtue has a nice ring to it, too.

Gallery: DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue character profiles

JoystiqPresenting the characters of DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtueeaelectronic-artshothead-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 15 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue's virtuous thongs: explained!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/deathspank-thongs-of-virtues-virtuous-thongs-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/deathspank-thongs-of-virtues-virtuous-thongs-explained/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/deathspank-thongs-of-virtues-virtuous-thongs-explained/#comments When DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue was first introduced, we were baffled by the mysterious origin of the game's various undergarments of legend. Now that we know where they're from -- thanks to this latest trailer, care of PAX -- well, we're just as baffled. Head past the break and see for yourself.

Continue reading DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue's virtuous thongs: explained!

JoystiqDeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue's virtuous thongs: explained! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathSpank-Thongs-of-Virtuegameplayhotheadhothead-gamesmicrosoftpaxpax-2010pax-primepax-prime-2010playstationps3xboxMon, 06 Sep 2010 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm preview: strength in numbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/swarm-preview-strength-in-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/swarm-preview-strength-in-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/swarm-preview-strength-in-numbers/#comments Hothead revealed Swarm for the first time back at E3. Then, we didn't know much about the game -- it's actually still in pre-Alpha, despite a launch window of "early 2011." We were given a demo of the game at PAX and finally came to understand what we were dealing with.

It's hard to see the game and not compare it to Lemmings. Both games have a seemingly dull-witted cast who have found themselves inexplicably stuck in an incredibly dangerous environment. And both have the same means to persevere: teamwork.

Gallery: Swarm

Continue reading Swarm preview: strength in numbers

JoystiqSwarm preview: strength in numbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hothead-gamesignitionmicrosoftpax-2010pax-prime-2010playstationps3psnswarmxblaxboxSun, 05 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hothead's games prevent communism, apparently]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/hothead-games-prevent-communism-apparently/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/hothead-games-prevent-communism-apparently/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/hothead-games-prevent-communism-apparently/#comments The latest Hothead dev diary is out and, well, it doesn't have much to do with video games, with hardly a mention of DeathSpank. Actually, it does note that Hothead's games combat communism, though it never elucidates how. It has something to do with circumcisions, we guess?

Continue reading Hothead's games prevent communism, apparently

JoystiqHothead's games prevent communism, apparently originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hothead-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3xboxWed, 01 Sep 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue gameplay leaves little to the imagination]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-gameplay-leaves-little-to-the-imagi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-gameplay-leaves-little-to-the-imagi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/31/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-gameplay-leaves-little-to-the-imagi/#comments We're still not 100 percent positive what the subtitle in DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue means. Perhaps our titular hero enjoys the snugness only a certain type of undergarment can provide? Regardless, we've got the next best thing for you today: gameplay footage.

Over at GameVideos, they've managed to procure four different gameplay sections showcasing several distinct areas of the game. We went on a quest to retrieve said videos, which show DeathSpank doing what he does best: making other people look like chumps. Feel free to swoon at our level 10 copy/paste ability past the break.

Gallery: DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue

Continue reading DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue gameplay leaves little to the imagination

JoystiqDeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue gameplay leaves little to the imagination originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-VirtueHothead-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-networkps3psnxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeTue, 31 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue sequel coming to XBLA, PSN in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-sequel-coming-to-xbla-psn-in-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-sequel-coming-to-xbla-psn-in-sept/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/deathspank-thongs-of-virtue-sequel-coming-to-xbla-psn-in-sept/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With justice not entirely dispensed, evil still to be vanquished and plenty of downtrodden to be, uh, heroed, the titular DeathSpank returns in DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue. Hothead Games today announced a full-on sequel to this summer's Diablo homage (parody?) on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network -- and it's almost complete! Thongs of Virtue will launch on PSN and XBLA on September 21 and 22, respectively, for $15 (or 1200 Microsoft Points).

The quick turnaround is the result of Hothead beginning development on Thongs of Virtue well before the release of the first game, and despite creator Ron Gilbert's departure from the studio in April. (You might recall that DeathSpank was originally proposed as an episodic endeavor, but that plan was supposedly abandoned during development of the first game.) Thongs of Virtue still reflects Gilbert's influence and looks to expand on the foundational elements of the original game; even if it doesn't address all of the post-release fan feedback.

"DeathSpank 1 was an introduction to the universe for people and it was very much a fantasy action RPG," producer Hamish Millar tells GameSpot. "For the second game -- and this is a reason it was a separate product, too- -- we just wanted to redefine what that could be. We just wanted to blow people's expectations out of the water as far as what kind of weapons DeathSpank can have, what worlds he can travel to, and what sort of creatures and characters and enemies he can face."

JoystiqDeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue sequel coming to XBLA, PSN in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathSpankDeathSpank-Thongs-of-VirtueHothead-Gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3PSNrelease-dateXBLAxboxMon, 23 Aug 2010 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Gilbert digs iPhone, hopes DeathSpank inspires other devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/ron-gilbert-iphone-games-are-very-interesting-to-me-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/ron-gilbert-iphone-games-are-very-interesting-to-me-right-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/ron-gilbert-iphone-games-are-very-interesting-to-me-right-now/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GamerBytes has a nice long interview with DeathSpank creator Ron Gilbert, and while he waxes philosophical on all sorts of stuff found in the excellent XBLA/PSN hack-'n-slash title, he says he's not sure what he plans to do next. But iPhone gaming has grabbed his attention for the moment: "iPhone games are very interesting to me right now. I play a lot of them, and they're neat because then you can do two- or three-people teams to make those things," he says.

Making DeathSpank was tougher than expected, according to Gilbert -- he started out wanting to make Monkey Island meets Diablo, but the Diablo half of the game was more difficult to balance than he'd thought it would be. Not only did he have to balance weapons and combat, but he had to deal with DeathSpank's own character attributes. A class system was originally planned, but Gilbert wanted to play his character (which originally came from a Flash cartoon series), not yours, so the team eventually went with the "Hero Cards" system.

Gilbert also says he hopes that DeathSpank influences the downloadable market -- rather than simply house reissues of older games or big budget titles, he hopes that downloadable game platforms can be a place for originality, and that "we can get some really good, interesting games in the download space." We'll hack and slash to that!

JoystiqRon Gilbert digs iPhone, hopes DeathSpank inspires other devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>death-spankdeathspankdownloadableeahothead-gamesiphonemicrosoftmobileplaystationps3ron-gilbertxblaxboxThu, 29 Jul 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hothead Games dev diary is good for a laugh]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/hothead-games-dev-diary-is-good-for-a-laugh/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/hothead-games-dev-diary-is-good-for-a-laugh/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/hothead-games-dev-diary-is-good-for-a-laugh/#comments Who says developer diaries have to give behind-the-scenes looks at specific games? Hothead's latest dev diary simply focuses on the rarely achieved art of making games funny. Apparently, it's a tricky blend of timing, creativity and John Ritter-fronted late '70s sitcoms.

Continue reading Hothead Games dev diary is good for a laugh

JoystiqHothead Games dev diary is good for a laugh originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comedydev-diaryhothead-gamesthrees-companyWed, 28 Jul 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Joyswag: Win a trip for two to PAX, courtesy of HotHead Games and DeathSpank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/joyswag-win-a-trip-for-two-to-pax-courtesy-of-hothead-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/joyswag-win-a-trip-for-two-to-pax-courtesy-of-hothead-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/joyswag-win-a-trip-for-two-to-pax-courtesy-of-hothead-games/#comments Update: Congratulations to grand prize winner Stefan, and to the eight first prize winners!


He is DeathSpank: Defender of Justice. Vanquisher of Evil. Hero to the Downtrodden. Guy who's footing the bill for you and a friend, loved one, or really lucky stranger to attend PAX Prime!

But who is this "you" we speak of? Well, it could be you, provided you're the winner of this epic giveaway brought to you by DeathSpank's gracious overlords at Hothead Games and your pals here at Joystiq. Otherwise it will be someone else, who may or may not laugh at your misfortune -- that jerk! Don't be the one who that jerk potentially laughs at -- heed the rules, cross your fingers and enter for your chance to score free airfare, lodging, attendance to PAX, and the possibility of being referred to as "Sir" or "Miss" for a change. That, and the ultimate honor: being able to say, "I'm with DeathSpank!"

To enter this giveaway:

1. Visit DeathSpank.com and search for "the Artifact" image (pictured below) that's been hidden on one of the pages there. The Artifact will be clearly visible and looks like this:

2. Locate and copy your own unique "Joystiq Code" that appears beneath the Artifact image.

3. Return to this giveaway post and paste your code in a comment to enter for your chance to win.

Head past the break for complete rules and details.

Continue reading Joyswag: Win a trip for two to PAX, courtesy of HotHead Games and DeathSpank

JoystiqJoyswag: Win a trip for two to PAX, courtesy of HotHead Games and DeathSpank originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DeathSpankHothead-GamesJoyswagmicrosoftPAX-2010PAX-Prime-2010playstationps3xboxMon, 19 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: DeathSpank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/review-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/review-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/review-deathspank/#comments "DeathSpank? What a ridiculous name!" I can hear you saying it now. Yes, it is a ridiculous name, for a ridiculous game which revels in the fact that it's ridiculous. Well, that and damned funny. Oh, and a super-fun, retail-caliber yet downloadable action-RPG.

If you haven't been following all things 'Spank, know that it's the creation of Ron Gilbert (one of the mad geniuses who brought the world the Monkey Island series) and Hothead Games (makers of the delightful, and also downloadable, Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain Slick-Precipice of Darkness). Also know that it stars a hero, DeathSpank, who possesses enough machismo to fill a football stadium. His grasp on reality, on the other hand, would barely fill a football.

Gallery: DeathSpank

itsp-deathspankrg_logo_highitsp-dsscreen01itsp-dsscreen02itsp-dsscreen03itsp-dsscreen04

Continue reading Review: DeathSpank

JoystiqReview: DeathSpank originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-RPGDeathSpankEA-PartnersElectronicHothead-Gamesmacmicrosoftpcplaystationps3PSNRon-GilbertXBLAxboxFri, 16 Jul 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLA in Brief: Deadliest Warrior, DeathSpank]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/xbla-in-brief-deadliest-warrior-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/xbla-in-brief-deadliest-warrior-deathspank/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/xbla-in-brief-deadliest-warrior-deathspank/#comments XBLA is all about death this week. First up we have gruesome, deadly martial arts with Deadliest Warrior: The Game and then we have just, heroic, loot-driven murder with DeathSpank. Honestly, both causes of death have their appeal. Watch the latest XBLA in Brief and see just how fun death can be.

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There are new Xbox Live Arcade games released every week. We realize that our readers are busy, attractive people, and may not have time to download and examine each and every new XBLA game. You've got busy, attractive person stuff to do, after all. Not to worry though, because we've done the work for you, downloading every single trial game and giving you a taste of what to expect. Watch XBLA in Brief every week to see which games deserve a closer look. When you have the time, of course.

Continue reading XBLA in Brief: Deadliest Warrior, DeathSpank

JoystiqXBLA in Brief: Deadliest Warrior, DeathSpank originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Deadliest-WarriorDeadliest-Warrior-The-GamedeathspankHothead-Gamesmicrosoftpipeworks-softwareSpike-Gamesx3f-tvxblaxblawednesdayxboxWed, 14 Jul 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DeathSpank trailer previews some unorthodox armaments]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/deathspank-trailer-previews-some-unorthodox-armaments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/deathspank-trailer-previews-some-unorthodox-armaments/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/deathspank-trailer-previews-some-unorthodox-armaments/#comments We've discussed some of the unique weapons you'll be wielding in Ron Gilbert's upcoming XBLA and PSN title, DeathSpank, but you really can't get a good feel for them until you see them in action. It's like, you can read about the Demon Poop Hammer all day, but you've really got to see it swing.

Continue reading DeathSpank trailer previews some unorthodox armaments

JoystiqDeathSpank trailer previews some unorthodox armaments originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deathspankhothead-gamesmicrosoftplaystationps3ron-gilbertxboxSat, 10 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST