Improving on the first, Deathspank: Thongs of Virtue is another fun adventure with our new favorite dispenser of justice

User Rating: 8 | DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue PS3
Deathspank is back, and in a much more over-the-top and just as entertaining game. Everything about the first game that was awesome is back here, and in many ways it's better. There are a few things that hold the game back, but these are minor. Overall, Deathspank: Thongs of Virtue is one of the best, if not THE best, game to come out on the PSN all year.

GAMEPLAY - Even though this game came out shortly after the first, the designers listened to the feedback well. Everything about the first one returns here, gameplay-wise, but there is now more of an emphasis on ranged combat, co-op play, and useful items that won't just sit in your inventory during the whole game. For those who played the first, this game doesn't confine itself to a medieval setting, but rather it's a mixed bag of westerns, pirates, horror stories, war, and other set pieces, which gives the game even more variety than the first. As such, you'll get armor and weapons representing those areas, so don't be surprised if you find a cowboy outfit or a sub machine gun to blow your enemies away with. If you like playing co-op, now there are two new characters to use. One is an orque, who is basically another damage-dealer, and the other is Steve, who comes in handy no matter the situation. Overall, if you liked the first one, then you should definitely purchase this. Even if you haven't, I prefer this one over the first. - 8.5/10

STORY - You find out shortly after the game starts that Sandy, the red-haired woman who's been ordering you around since the first game, wants you to collect the other thongs of virtue throughout the world. The pacing of this story isn't quite as good as the first, in my opinion, but it gets the job done. The ending seems a bit rushed, but unlike the first game, you'll actually be faced with enough side quests to easily max out your level before the end of the game, which I was happy about. - 8/10

GRAPHICS - The graphics here are nearly identical to the first game. I would just say that the variety of set pieces gives more variety, however, and makes it more pleasing to the eye. - 8.5/10

SOUND - Everything that was good about the first game returns here. I will say this, however. When you play the first one, you notice that the first half of the game tends to be pretty hilarious, but it kind of just stops being funny for the second half. Well here the humor is more spread out. Not quite as funny, but they were more consistent here. Also, the fact that the first game was played before this could contribute to why I found it more funny when it was. - 9/10

LENGTH/REPLAY VALUE - This game is slightly longer than the first, and also has more going for it, making it the game with more value. Neither really screams "play me again" once you're done with it, but both are a blast to play. - 7/10

BOTTOM LINE - If you're a fan of the first, there's no reason why you shouldn't purchase this. It's a lot more fun, and it's a fitting conclusion to Deathspank's story. Even if you haven't played the first, you won't miss out on much. Plus the opening video tells you all you need to know. If you feel like opening up a can of justice, this is the game to do it with! - 8/10