DeathSpank

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.

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.

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.

DeathSpank has received generally positive reviews from critics. At aggregate website GameRankings it holds scores of 79-80% for the platforms it was released on. Fellow aggregate website Metacritic 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.

Year-end 2011 analyses showed a movement of over 122,000 units. 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.