DeathSpank

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 47
  3. Negative: 0 out of 47
  1. VideoGamer
    70
    DeathSpank's mishmash of genres is definitely entertaining at first, but it never manages to live up to its appealing concept. It's trying to combine the best parts of two beloved genres, but in doing so it creates a product that's not as good as either.
  2. Gamekult
    70
    Long, funny, original and addictive, DeathSpank manages to make one forget its little weaknesses and have a smile.
  3. GameCritics
    70
    The art direction, the approach to combat, and the writing create an ideal presentation for a character that I just didn't care about. If you're in a similar boat, then DeathSpank will provide little more than several hours of basic hack-and-slash gameplay in a uniquely whimsical setting. If you find yourself genuinely laughing at this character, however, then DeathSpank will be a wonderful comic fantasy romp.
  5. Gaming Age
    67
    For one of the rare games that actually made me feel like I wasted my time after playing it, I did enjoy the ride.
  6. RealGamer
    65
    Deathspank is a solid and eminently playable slice of RPG gaming, and fans of Diablo, Baldur's Gate and the like might truly enjoy the opportunity to play a lightweight comedy homage to past favourites.
  7. Absolute Games
    Jan 15, 2011
    64
    DeathSpank has stylish "paper cut-outs" as characters and scenery (which are especially impressive at a full HD resolution on PC), sharp dialogue, and nice music – it only needs thought-out gameplay to succeed. The game is hardly worth a second playthrough, and that's a death warrant for any aspiring Diablo clone.
  8. PSM3 Magazine UK
    64
    Happy, funny and tiresome, DeathSpank is the Will Ferrell of games.
  9. Gameblog.fr
    60
    Clearly, DeathSpank's main strength is in its dialog and humor. As an Action RPG, it remains a little too simple to fulfill the needs of hardcore hack'n slash fans, and some game design flaws and ergonomics mistakes render its 10 or so gameplay hours a little bit tedious and less inspired than we'd hoped. It still is a visually charming, point'n click and silly ideas enriched adventure to dive in. Its shortcomings can easily be ignored by those who like games that don't take themselves too seriously, something DeathSpank achieves with flying colors.
  10. Giant Bomb
    60
    While it's an uneven experience, the action works well enough and the game's sense of humor hits often enough to make it come together pretty well. Unfortunately, it also gets a bit monotonous, largely due to some repetitive quest design.
  11. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    60
    Hack-and-slash antics fuel the fire, but the game's health system makes extended fights an exercise in frustration. [Sept 2010, p.81]
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Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best PS3 Game of 2010
64
#64 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 127 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 127
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 127
  3. Negative: 15 out of 127
  1. Reaperville
    Nov 4, 2010
    9
    this game was great, it was a mindless hack em up game that held my attention to the end, the large amount of weaponry was excellent, thethis game was great, it was a mindless hack em up game that held my attention to the end, the large amount of weaponry was excellent, the story line was pretty well written, whenever i wanted to unwind i would play this game, absolutely worth the 10 dollars it is selling for......… Full Review »
  2. gavin1873
    Sep 15, 2010
    6
    Deathspank is, in no uncertain terms, saved by it hilarious dialogue and paradoxical humour, but strip it away and what your left with is aDeathspank is, in no uncertain terms, saved by it hilarious dialogue and paradoxical humour, but strip it away and what your left with is a bargain bucket experience identical to every other hacky-slash-button-mashy adventure game in the ether. With a plot so childish and full of holes it resembles the victim of a firing squad and a paralysed combat system that doesn't evolve beyond "MSAH TAH BUTTNZ", the game falls down a well from a gameplay perspective, but it's beautifully written, genuinely funny, and not afraid to take the piss, with Deathspank booming, in his frankly brilliant voice, "GREETINGS NON-PLAYER CHARACTER" or when asked if he's never seen a dog before, he booms, "NEVER FROM THE OUTSIDE" implying Deathspank has sex with animals. All in all, funny but flawed.… Full Review »
  3. BDeyo01
    Sep 12, 2010
    9
    I really loved DeathSpank. So much, in fact, that it is my new online alias. It's a mindless hack-and-slash with hilarious quests, dialogue,I really loved DeathSpank. So much, in fact, that it is my new online alias. It's a mindless hack-and-slash with hilarious quests, dialogue, and "cinematics." I want to let everyone know who decides to drop the $15 on this to please go in with an open mind. If you only like serious games, or think that video games aren't supposed to make you laugh, or perhaps you have a hard time noticing the small things, then this game probably isn't for you. Personally, I loved the attention to detail. Every NPC has a unique name, few of which are actual names (IE: Guy Who Lost His Wallet, Guy Who Needs a Friend). The way in which DeathSpank introduces himself or greets individuals (Greetings, Non-descript citizen!) is just fantastic, in my opinion. There are times when I had to repeat dialogue because it was just priceless. You really have to enjoy the little things in this game, and if you do, it's beyond "worth" the $15. Another example, is the way the character (in the inventory screen) reacts to certain items when equipped. If a weapon is equipped, he'll sometimes lower and cover his head, peeking upwards and waggling the weapon in the air to see if it does anything. If you equip some shoulder pads, he may do a little dance for you. The only reason this game gets a 9 from me, is the difficulty of some quests. There is minimal dialogue explaining the quests. Hints are given on an item basis (you must use an item to obtain a hint, up to 3 hints that will end up telling you exactly where to go, and the item seems to be quite rare and is not purchase-able, but drops from anywhere and anything). Other than that, I really enjoyed this game. As far as playability goes, it's perhaps worth a second play through with a friend, but once through was enough for me. I am VERY excited for the next comedic installment: "Thongs of Virtue."… Full Review »
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