Summer can be a terrible time for gaming if you’re not in the know about what titles are coming out. We’ve decided to start up a new segment here on the blog called “Game Watch” wherein we inform you on games coming out in the near future that you should look into or at least keep an eye on. These aren’t going to be games like Cataclysm or StarCraft 2 because you have to be living under a rock not to know that they’re coming out. These are perhaps lesser known games or simply games that we feel aren’t getting the attention we hope they deserve.
To kick things off, we have two titles that we think are definitely worth a look.
DeathSpank
Release Dates: July 14 XBLA and July 13 PSN
Price: $14.99
DeathSpank is an action rpg game designed by Ron Gilbert (guy behind Monkey Island and other stuff, google him) that is being touted as a Monkey Island meets Diablo.  It’s supposed to have a lot of witty dialog and plenty of gear drops like standard hack n slash games. It’s available in singleplayer and local coop with a friend and is said to have about 15 hours of straight through play without taking into account any replayability.
There are a few videos available at sites like IGN and Gametrailers. One in particular (featured below) shows the crazy weapons like the Chicken Cannon and the Demon Poop Hammer. The video below also highlights how zany the game will be with the dialog styling of Monkey Island clearly apparent. We’re hoping for a lot of laughing mixed into a game that can provide a decent amount of polished hacking away at baddies.
Hydro Thunder Hurricane
Release Date: July 28 XBLA
Price: $14.99
We blew so many quarters on the old arcade of Hydro Thunder and every one was well worth it. Hydro Thunder Hurricane is a remake coming out for XBLA that you can play with up to 8 people online or with others locally. The basic premise of the game is boat racing, but these aren’t just any boats. These are tricked out rocket propelled speed boats as well as several other types that you can choose from. The tracks each have a very unique setting ranging from tropics to Asgard… yeah, Asgard. The original arcade game had the best water visuals ever and if you watch the video below it’s clear they’re again bringing their A-game. The tracks are also very unique in that, unlike most current racers, there is more than one way to go. We hope that HTH will provide the same classic feel of the original but also be a unique addition to the racing scene.
Watch the videos on Gametrailers as well for some great ones.
I think DeathSpank needs Bruce Campbell.
DeathSpank looks pretty fun, but no Steam release makes me a sad panda.
Wait, is that a pair of purple panties in the Death Spank logo, with a sword emblem??? I’m gonna have to scrounge up some extra allowance money for this somehow.
Picked up both and they are both very awesome. Best 30 bucks I’ve ever spent on games.