Click to enlarge

 

It’s been a crazy six months around here since the release of The Gunstringer into the retail world.  In that time we have filmed full motion video, cut, programmed and released The Wavy Tubeman Chronicles, then Real Big Shootin’ and now are pleased to announce El Diablo’s ‘Merican Adventure!  All of this just in time for the release of The Gunstringer for Games On Demand.  That’s right, if you missed your chance to pick up your retail copy of The Gunstringer because it flew off shelves faster than a stack of pancakes disappears at a lumberjack convention, or you are just too lazy to go to the store, like I am, then now is your chance to get a digital copy for the low price of $29.99 USD (prices may vary internationally).  Click Below to View Trailer.

So in order to kick this GonD launch off right we are simultaneously launching El Diablo’s ‘Merican Adventure add-on for only 240 Microsoft Points.  In this DLC of awesomeness, you play as the titular character El Diablo, Lord of the Underworld.  Guide Diablo on his quest as he claws his way up from the Underworld to claim a Queen to rule at his side.  In your way stands a host of baddies, from hang gliding hit men to pistol packin’ prostitutes, all aimin’ to send you and your bifurcated tail back to the fiery depths.  Never fear, however, because Diablo is armed to the horns with his guitar-shotgun.  What else would any underworld demi-god use to serenade his foes on their trip to the afterlife?

-Jay

Click to enlarge

The Gunstringer Lead Designer, Dan Teasdale, tells us a little bit about what went into the making and concept behind El Diablo’s ‘Merican Adventure:

I think there are really three core influences to the El Diablo add-on content: “Coming to America”, “Hogan’s Alley”, and Sean Conway’s insatiable desire to destroy people.

The ‘80s Eddie Murphy classic “Coming to America” is a movie that’s truly in the hearts and souls of an entire generation. Our goal with El Diablo was to figure out how to take that classic “journey for love” story and translate it into something that would fit in the Gunstringer universe.

Click to enlarge

Sure, Eddie Murphy is replaced by the devil, and the roles of Shari Headley and Vanessa Bell are played by puppets, but it’s pretty much the same thing. It’s also probably more watchable than “A Thousand Words”.

The other big influence is the NES classic “Hogan’s Alley”, and specifically whatever deranged impact this had on designer Sean Conway’s development as a designer. If you’ve ever thrown a controller while playing Splosion Man, it’s probably on a level that Sean has designed. Sean wanted to add challenge to The Gunstringer, and El Diablo is his vehicle to realising his dreams.

Because of this, El Diablo is a pretty unique experience compared to the rest of Gunstringer. Gone is the lock on shooting, instead replaced with a fine-tuned, manually fired shotgun. El Diablo needs to take down bad dudes, sure, but now he also needs to avoid hitting innocents, all while both are popping up and down quickly. There’s also a wide range of crazy situations involving madam clones, cow juggling minigames, and babies throwing dynamite, but if you’ve made it this far in our Gunstringer journey I’m sure that’s de rigueur for you by now.

Click to enlarge

It changes the game from a pattern swipe to a tense, fast paced game of identification and targeting, all for a cheap 240MSP!

“But why does he want to avoid innocent dudes? He’s El Diablo! He’s meant to be evil!” I hear you say? Hush. Things will be okay. Just chill and enjoy.

-Dan