This week's downloadable game offerings are enumerated, priced, and detailed...now with videos!
The highest profile release this week is DeathSpank, the action/RPG from Hothead Games. 1200 Microsoft points or $14.99 in real money will net you this hilarious romp through fantasy cliches on Xbox Live Arcade or PlayStation Network, respectively. The great hero DeathSpank is on a quest for The Artifact, an item that was forged long ago for an indeterminate purpose, and for that reason DeathSpank must find it! The game's isometric view reveals a Diablo-style affair of loot gathering and monster-defeating, with more than a little bit of humor thrown into the mix. The game is available now, and demos are available on either platform if you'd like to try before you buy.
Also arriving on PlayStation Network is Landit Bandit, a 3D helicopter adventure with a great deal of charm. A 20 level campaign can be played alone or with a friend via splitscreen. There are also half a dozen special splitscreen competitive duels when you're ready for a little throwdown. The retro chopper game, developed by The Bearded Ladies, can be yours for $9.99.
Over on Xbox Live Arcade, Spike Games brings us Deadliest Warrior: The Game, available today for 800 Microsoft points ($10). Based on the TV show exploring the most powerful of Earth's historical fighters, the new game pits them one against the other, and lets you and your friends determine the victor. The fighting game includes five different play modes and online or local multiplayer. Your fighters, from ninja to pirate to Spartan warrior, are all customizable, and the game promises the capability to "sever limbs, decapitate heads, and taunt your enemy's lifeless corpse to build up ranking points." So, family friendly then?
For all the news on retail DLC, downloadable games, and the indie scene, make sure and check out Game Informer's Impulse hub, linked below. There you'll learn about this week's Game of the Week, Beat Hazard, and better know your game makers by reading about our featured indie developer, Sidhe.