DeathSpank Interview

Gamasutra has published a seven-page interview with Hothead Games’ Ron Gilbert about his development history, his episodic action RPG DeathSpank, and more.

So as far as your project goes, do you want to just give a run-down on what that’s all about?

RG: Sure, sure. DeathSpank is an episodic RPG that’s been described as a combination of Monkey Island-style storytelling and adventure, kind of melded with a very light Diablo-style RPG gameplay.

DeathSpank is a kind of over-enthusiastic hero that often does more damage than he does good, when he comes in to help people out with things. And, as his name suggests, the game’s really a satirical look at gaming’s heroes, and how seriously games tend to take them. I just really wanted to poke fun at that kind of stuff with him.

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What led to the Diablo influence?

RG: Well I think it’s because, mostly, I love Diablo. I’ve played lots, and it’s been a style of game that I’ve really liked. And it’s kind of strange, because I really have not found a game since Diablo that I really have liked playing; you know, that kind of action RPG stuff. They did so many things so well with that game, and I think a lot of people have come along and tried to imitate them, and I think they’ve really missed the core of what was fun about that stuff.