{{Short description|2011 video game}} {{Infobox video game |title=The Baconing |image=Baconing cover.png |caption=Title art |developer=Hothead Games |publisher=Electronic Arts |series=''DeathSpank'' |released={{vgrelease|NA|August 30, 2011 (PS3)|WW|August 31, 2011}} |genre=Action role-playing |modes=Single-player, multiplayer |platforms=Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 }}
'''''The Baconing''''' is an action role-playing video game developed by Hothead Games. It was published by Valcon Games on the Xbox 360 and independently on all other platforms. It was released in August 2011 for PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation Network, for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows via Steam, and for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade. It is the third game in the ''DeathSpank'' series, and follows the character DeathSpank in his quest to defeat the AntiSpank, an evil incarnation of himself.
The game received mixed views from critics. Most critics enjoyed the game's humor, and those who did not noted that players who enjoyed the humor from the previous two games will enjoy ''The Baconing''. Critics were divided as to aspects of gameplay. Some thought that the game had too many repetitive quests, while others felt that gameplay was tightened in comparison to the previous two ''DeathSpank'' games.
==Premise== thumb|left|The game world in ''The Baconing'' is much more varied than that of the previous two ''DeathSpank'' titles. {{See also|DeathSpank#Synopsis|l1=synopses of DeathSpank|DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue#Synopsis|l2=DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue}} The game opens with a bored DeathSpank, the series' protagonist. Having defeated all of his foes in the land, he decides to try on all six mystical Thongs of Virtue at once, and in doing so inadvertently creates an evil incarnation of himself, the AntiSpank. DeathSpank must then travel the land to destroy five of the six Thongs of Virtue in the Fires of Bacon. Once he is successful he can defeat the AntiSpank and bring peace to SpankTopia.<ref>{{Cite video game | title=The Baconing | developer=Hothead Games | date=2011-08-31}}</ref>
==Gameplay== {{See also|DeathSpank#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay in DeathSpank}} ''The Baconing'' borrows much of its gameplay from the two previous titles in the ''DeathSpank'' series, ''DeathSpank'', and ''DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue''. As with the previous games, this title is an action RPG. The game can also be played cooperatively, with the first player controlling DeathSpank and the second having a choice to control one of four sidekicks.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.thebaconing.com/about/ | title=About | website=The Baconing | publisher=Hothead Games | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008213246/http://www.thebaconing.com/about/ | archivedate=2011-10-08 | accessdate=2023-08-16}}</ref> Hothead Games addressed a concern from fans about fetch quests, a quest which involves retrieving an object for the person giving the player character the quest.<ref name="gamespot preview">{{Cite web | first=Sophia | last=Tong | date=2011-08-08 | url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-baconing-preview/1100-6327490/ | title=The Baconing Preview | website=GameSpot | publisher=Fandom | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121135653/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-baconing-preview/1100-6327490/ | archivedate=2018-11-21 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-16}}</ref> The player can now have the character execute a shield bash to push enemies away. This ability can also be used to reflect incoming arrows back toward enemies.<ref name="gamespot preview" />
==Development and marketing== ''The Baconing'' was announced on May 25, 2011 for the Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3.<ref>{{Cite web | first=Ben | last=Gilbert | date=2011-05-25 | url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-05-25-deathspank-the-baconing-is-the-third-entry-in-the-deathspank-se.html | title=DeathSpank: The Baconing is the third entry in the DeathSpank series, coming this summer | website=Engadget (Joystiq) | publisher=Yahoo | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527172643/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/deathspank-the-baconing-is-the-third-entry-in-the-deathspank-se/ | archivedate=2011-05-27 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-16}}</ref> ''DeathSpank'' was dropped from the game's title, though it is a continuation of the ''DeathSpank'' series. Producer Mike Inglehart stated "This new title isn't ''DeathSpank 3'' or ''DeathSpank: The Baconing'', instead it should be thought of as ''The Baconing''." Inglehart elaborated by saying that "this is a standalone experience that will appeal to fans of the DeathSpank character, but also to gamers everywhere who love unique and engaging video games."<ref name="baconing name">{{Cite web | first=Ben | last=Gilbert | date=2011-05-27 | url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-05-27-hothead-explains-lack-of-deathspank-in-the-baconings-title.html | title=Hothead explains lack of 'DeathSpank' in The Baconing's title | website=Engadget (Joystiq) | publisher=Yahoo | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529133318/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/hothead-explains-lack-of-deathspank-in-the-baconings-title/ | archivedate=2011-05-29 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-16}}</ref> Inglehart also clarified that the ''DeathSpank'' prefix was not removed due to copyright or trademark issues.<ref name="baconing name" />
To promote the game Hothead Games ran an Ask DeathSpank questionnaire on game's official website. Fans could submit their questions to be answered by the game's protagonist.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.thebaconing.com/tag/ask-deathspank/ | title=Ask DeathSpank | website=The Baconing | publisher=Hothead Games | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331150506/http://www.thebaconing.com/tag/ask-deathspank/ | archivedate=2012-03-31 | accessdate=2023-08-16}}</ref> It was released on August 30, 2011 in the U.S. on the PlayStation 3 as part of the PSN Play promotion on the PlayStation Network,<ref>{{Cite web | first=Joshua | last=Riviera | date=2011-08-05 | url=https://kotaku.com/the-first-annual-playstation-network-play-lineup-brings-5828175 | title=The First Annual PlayStation Network Play Lineup Brings You Bacon, Vampires, and Street Fighter 3 Galore | website=Kotaku | publisher=G/O Media | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412173606/https://kotaku.com/the-first-annual-playstation-network-play-lineup-brings-5828175 | archivedate=2023-04-12 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-16}}</ref> and on August 31, 2011 in the PAL region. The Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 versions were released on the same day.<ref>{{Cite web | author=IGN staff | date=2011-08-31 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/08/31/crispy-and-delicious-the-baconing-is-now-released-for-all-platforms | title=Crispy and Delicious, The Baconing is Now Released for All Platforms | website=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102112217/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/08/31/crispy-and-delicious-the-baconing-is-now-released-for-all-platforms | archivedate=2018-11-02 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-16}}</ref>
==Reception== {{Video game reviews | PC = true | PS3 = true | X360 = true | na = true | MC_PC = 63/100<ref name="mc pc">{{Cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-baconing/critic-reviews/?platform=pc | title=The Baconing for PC Reviews | website=Metacritic | publisher=Fandom | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203201408/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-baconing | archivedate=2023-02-03 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | MC_PS3 = 65/100<ref name="mc ps3">{{Cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-baconing/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 | title=The Baconing for PlayStation 3 Reviews | website=Metacritic | publisher=Fandom | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409105719/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-baconing | archivedate=2023-04-09 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | MC_X360 = 64/100<ref name="mc 360">{{Cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-baconing/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 | title=The Baconing for Xbox 360 Reviews | website=Metacritic | publisher=Fandom | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326163729/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-baconing | archivedate=2023-03-26 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | AVC_X360 = B−<ref>{{Cite web | first=Christian | last=Williams | date=2011-09-19 | url=https://www.avclub.com/the-baconing-1798227457 | title=The Baconing (X360) | website=The A.V. Club | publisher=G/O Media | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416084314/http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-baconing,61884/ | archivedate=2012-04-16 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | Destruct_X360 = 6/10<ref>{{Cite web | first=Darren | last=Nakamura | date=2011-10-19 | url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-the-baconing/ | title=Review: The Baconing (X360) | website=Destructoid | publisher=Gamurs | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330172654/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-the-baconing/ | archivedate=2023-03-30 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | EuroG_PS3 = 6/10<ref name="eurogamer review">{{Cite web | first=Christian | last=Donlan | date=2011-09-06 | url=https://www.eurogamer.net/the-baconing-review | title=The Baconing (PlayStation 3) | website=Eurogamer | publisher=Gamer Network | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917063209/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-09-06-the-baconing-review | archivedate=2014-09-17 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | GamePro_PS3 = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="gamepro review">{{Cite magazine | first=Will | last=Herring | date=2011-09-06 | url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/222633/review-the-baconing-360-ps3/ | title=Review: The Baconing (360/PS3) | magazine=GamePro | publisher=GamePro Media | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202215712/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/222633/review-the-baconing-360-ps3/ | archivedate=2011-12-02 | accessdate=2011-09-15}}</ref> | GamePro_X360 = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="gamepro review" /> | GameRev_PS3 = B+<ref name="gamerev review">{{Cite web | first=Nicholas | last=Tan | date=2011-09-02 | url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/52766-the-baconing-review | title=The Baconing Review (PS3, X360) | website=GameRevolution | publisher=CraveOnline | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919083924/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/the-baconing | archivedate=2015-09-19 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | GameRev_X360 = B+<ref name="gamerev review" /> | GSpot_X360 = 6.5/10<ref name="gamespot review">{{Cite web | first=Tom | last=McShea | date=2011-09-01 | url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-baconing-review/1900-6332258/ | title=The Baconing Review (X360) | website=GameSpot | publisher=Fandom | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603213911/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/the-baconing-review/1900-6332258/ | archivedate=2023-06-03 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | IGN_PC = 6/10<ref name="ign review 1">{{Cite web |first=Kristine |last=Steimer | date=2011-09-02 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/02/the-baconing-review-2 | title=The Baconing Review (PC) | website=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607234729/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/02/the-baconing-review-2 | archivedate=2016-06-07 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | IGN_PS3 = 6/10<ref name="ign review 2">{{Cite web |first=Kristine |last=Steimer | date=2011-09-01 | url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/02/the-baconing-review-3 | title=The Baconing Review (PS3, X360) | website=IGN | publisher=Ziff Davis | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922031450/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/02/the-baconing-review-3 | archivedate=2021-09-22 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | IGN_X360 = 6/10<ref name="ign review 2" /> | Joystiq_X360 = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>{{Cite web | first=Taylor | last=Cocke | date=2011-08-31 | url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-08-31-the-baconing-review.html | title=The Baconing review: Hacked and slashed (X360) [author mislabeled as "Griffin McElroy"] | website=Engadget (Joystiq) | publisher=Yahoo | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910111830/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/the-baconing-review/ | archivedate=2011-09-10 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | OPMUK_PS3 = 7/10<ref>{{Cite magazine | title=The Baconing | magazine=PlayStation Official Magazine – UK | publisher=Future plc | date=October 2011 | page=104}}</ref> | OXM_X360 = 6/10<ref>{{Cite magazine | first=Mitch | last=Dyer | url=http://www.oxmonline.com/baconing-review | title=The Baconing review | magazine=Official Xbox Magazine | publisher=Future US | date=October 2011 | page=82 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711152122/http://www.oxmonline.com/baconing-review | archivedate=2012-07-11 | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | PCGUK_PC = 51%<ref>{{Cite magazine | title=The Baconing | magazine=PC Gamer UK | publisher=Future plc | date=November 2011 | page=126}}</ref> | PSQ_PS3 = 5/10<ref>{{Cite web | first=Sammy | last=Barker | date=2011-09-13 | url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/psn/baconing | title=The Baconing Review | website=Push Square | publisher=Hookshot Media | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521065749/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/psn/baconing | archivedate=2022-05-21 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | RPG_X360 = 3.5/5<ref>{{Cite web | first=Adriaan | last=den Ouden | date=2011-09-01 | url=https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/deathspank/baconing/reviews/baconingstrev1.html | title=The Baconing - Staff Review (X360) | website=RPGFan | publisher=CraveOnline | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629122851/https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/deathspank/baconing/reviews/baconingstrev1.html | archivedate=2022-06-29 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | RPGFan_X360 = 80%<ref>{{Cite web | first=Stephen | last=Meyerink | date=2011-11-11 | url=https://www.rpgfan.com/review/the-baconing/ | title=The Baconing (X360) | website=RPGFan | publisher=Emerald Shield Media LLC | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209194444/https://www.rpgfan.com/review/the-baconing/ | archivedate=2022-12-09 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | rev1 = ''411Mania'' | rev1_X360 = 6/10<ref>{{Cite web | first=Adam | last=Larck | date=2011-09-06 | url=http://www.411mania.com/games/downloadable_content/200475/The-Baconing-%28XBLA%29-Review.htm | title=The Baconing (XBLA) Review | website=411Mania | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106034504/http://www.411mania.com/games/downloadable_content/200475/The-Baconing-(XBLA)-Review.htm | archivedate=2011-11-06 | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> | rev2 = ''The Digital Fix'' | rev2_PS3 = 7/10<ref>{{Cite web | first=Dean | last=Love | date=2011-09-22 | url=https://www.thedigitalfix.com/gaming/content/337/the-baconing/ | title=The Baconing Review (PS3) | website=The Digital Fix | publisher=Poisonous Monkey Ltd | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504191331/https://www.thedigitalfix.com/gaming/content/337/the-baconing/ | archivedate=2019-05-04 | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> }}
The game received "mixed" reviews on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.<ref name="mc pc" /><ref name="mc ps3" /><ref name="mc 360" />
Several reviewers praised the game's colorful characters, humor and voice acting. Will Herring of ''GamePro'' commented in his review that ''The Baconing'' has "clever writing and great voice acting throughout". ''Eurogamer''{{'}}s Christian Donlan called the PS3 version's writing "witty stuff" and added that "the script can't wait to shoot off on strange tangents". Tom McShea of ''GameSpot'' also praised the Xbox 360 version's cast and called them both "oddball" and "amusing".<ref name="gamespot review" /> Nicholas Tan of ''GameRevolution'' felt that the dialogue was over-the-top and enjoyable as well.<ref name="gamerev review" />
Critics were divided on the gameplay aspects of ''The Baconing''. Tan noted that the combat system had been upgraded from the previous two titles, and that the addition of a shield bash mechanic helped when enemies crowded the player character. He also praised the new ability to choose between one of four characters for cooperative gameplay.<ref name="gamerev review" /> Herring, however, felt the gameplay was repetitive and that the fetch quests did not feature enough variety.<ref name="gamepro review" /> Though Donlan had some critical remarks in regards to gameplay he did note that the game is "a fiercely likeable time-waster."<ref name="eurogamer review" /> ''IGN''{{'}}s Kristine Steimer recommended that players consider playing ''DeathSpank: Thongs of Virtue'' first, as their opinion would be a good judge towards interest in ''The Baconing''.<ref name="ign review 1" /><ref name="ign review 2" />
''Edge'' gave the game seven out of ten, saying it was "undoubtedly a solid, entertaining addition to the series, but over-saturation has made this once brash and energetic adventure feel slightly predictable."<ref name="edge">{{Cite magazine | author=Edge staff | date=2011-09-13 | url=http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/baconing-review | title=The Baconing review (PS3, X360) | magazine=Edge | publisher=Future plc | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003145515/http://www.next-gen.biz/reviews/baconing-review | archivedate=2011-10-03 | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref> ''GameZone'' gave the PlayStation 3 version 6.5 out of 10, saying that it was "proof positive that if you push a franchise too soon and too fast, signs of wear begin to set in. There are still moments of fun scattered in the game, but they're hidden beneath slightly worn out gameplay and limited options. Maybe Hothead ought to take some time off and wait a couple of years for the next ''DeathSpank'' game to make the rounds. Otherwise, he and his ''Thongs of Virtue'' will wear out their welcome."<ref>{{Cite web | first=Robert | last=Workman | date=2011-09-12 | url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/the_baconing_review/ | title=The Baconing Review (PS3) | website=GameZone | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329211243/https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/the_baconing_review/ | archivedate=2012-03-29 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref>
Since its release, the Xbox 360 version sold 14,075 units by the end of 2011.<ref>{{Cite web | first=Ryan | last=Langley | date=2012-01-20 | url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/xbox-live-arcade-by-the-numbers---the-2011-year-in-review | title=Xbox Live Arcade by the numbers - the 2011 year in review | website=Game Developer | publisher=Informa | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325034553/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/39713/Xbox_Live_Arcde_by_the_numbers__the_2011_year_in_review.php | archivedate=2019-03-25 | url-status=live | accessdate=2023-08-17}}</ref>
{{clear}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Portal|Video games}} * {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20110902040144/http://www.thebaconing.com/}} * {{moby game|id=/54608/the-baconing/}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Baconing}} Category:2011 video games Category:Action role-playing video games Category:Adventure games Category:Cooperative video games Category:Electronic Arts games Category:Fantasy video games Category:Hothead Games games Category:MacOS games Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games Category:PlayStation Network games Category:Role-playing video games Category:Valcon Games games Category:Video games developed in Canada Category:Video games scored by Jeff Tymoschuk Category:Windows games Category:Xbox 360 games Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games