DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue Review

Developer Hothead games has one of the most enigmatic release schedules in gaming. After mysteriously abandoning the popular Penny Arcade Adventure franchise after a second installment, the company has offered two separate DeathSpank games within weeks of one another. Luckily, Hothead’s eccentric distribution schedule isn’t an indicator of the quality of their games. So far, the developers have had an uninterrupted string of successes. DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue continues that trend- while the downloadable title doesn’t veer far from the action/role-playing elements of its predecessor , the game is an undeniably enjoyable romp, worthy of its fifteen dollar price of admission.

Whereas the first DeathSpank offered a moderate dose of Ron Gilbert’s signature brainteasers and comical conversations, the sequel wisely delivers a more unadulterated experience. Dialog trees are deeper, with exchanges which require the occasional inference from players. Likewise, Thongs of Virtue’s narrative, which centers on six enchanted undergarments which endow the wearer with more than just an attractive derriere, is wonderfully absurd. Yet, with so many sidequests, it’s inevitable that players might have a hard time focusing on the game’s main storyline; often, I’d have a handful of open missions beckoning for a distribution of DeathSpank’s renowned form of Justice.   

Upholding the same satisfying hack-and-slash combat mechanics of the first title, Thongs endows  players with the ability to construct their own control layout. Players can map weapons and items to the controllers face buttons and directional pad, which makes pulling off enemy-stunning combos feel natural. Deathspank‘s justice meter makes a reprisal, presenting players with the opportunity for formidable blow, once the gauge is filled to capacity. Thong deviates from its predecessor in the supremacy given to ranged weapons; anemic crossbows have been substituted with machine guns, grenades and ray guns to match the game’s more contemporary settings.

Although vanquishing enemies rewards the protagonist with experience used to advance the level ladder, an increase of rank doesn’t present the typical amount of stat-boosting increases. Beyond selecting a new Hero Card, which offers a slight passive augmentation, gamers are granted the ability to outfit themselves with previously prohibited weapons and armor. Unlike other Diablo-inspired adventures, DeathSpank‘s loot drops aren’t random- the game’s purposefully doles out each new piece of equipment. 

Although Hothead Games added Steve, a ninjutsu-savvy, unicorn riding, aide alongside the returning support of Sparkles the Wizard, the role of an assistant remains thankless. Without the ability to equip loot, a subordinate’s function is limited to healing and a bit of offensive power which is useful against the game’s  bosses. Ideally, the game should have offered a full online co-operative experience for full-bodied Justice seekers. Visually, Thongs offers a hand-drawn aesthetic filled with vibrant colors imaginatively drawn characters. While sharp-eyed players may notice a sporadic framerate hitch or hazy texture, generally the title is an eye-pleasing treat.

Bolstered by wittier dialog, a longer quest, and a more balanced and gratifying weaponry, DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue shows a handful of improvements over its precursor. While a more sweeping catalog of changes would have been welcome, it would be a disservice to not recommend this indisputably enjoyable game. As long as future iterations do bring improvements to the ‘Dispenser of Justice’s’ arsenal, DeathSpank doesn’t look like he’ll wear out his welcome anytime soon.