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Ron Gilbert Returns With DeathSpank
KingofGnG writes to tell us that the genius behind games like Monkey Island, Maniac Mansion, and the SCUMM script engine has returned to bring you another action-adventure entitled "DeathSpank". Showcased at the recent Penny Arcade Expo, the game promises the same adventure-styled gameplay of Monkey Island with the RPG-style gameplay of Diablo. Now all you have to do is get the fish out of your pants and belly up to the SCUMM bar.
... so there's a fair chance it could be pretty good.
May contain traces of nut.
Made from the freshest electrons.
I have a hope that the Wii will bring about a revival of the adventure game. The Strong Bad game on WiiWare was a fun diversion, and the Sam & Max games are close to release on the console. The point and click format is perfect for the Wii.
I love my hard core games, but pointing and clicking through something fun and puzzley can be relaxing. A man needs variety.
One thing I miss that the Wii is bringing back is social gaming. I remember 5 of us sitting in a room playing 7th Guest figuring out puzzles together. I also remember playing doom with us against the monsters, just clearing the levels. Now it is you alone, or kill your friends only. Not very social, until the Wii came along.
Old SCUMM games, like Maniac Mansion, could be played on a NES. Directional pad, plus four buttons for those who didn't know (A, B, Select, Start). You would need a stupid new interface if you wanted to exclude consoles just for the sake of excluding them.
Also, PCs have USB ports and can support gamepads. I wish publishers would stop assuming that PC = keyboard+mouse and make games that support whatever input the player wants to use.