The Baconing

About The Baconing

The Baconing is a chaotic action RPG from Hothead Games and Valcon Games, released in 2011. It mixes sci-fi and dark humor as you play DeathSpank, a hero battling the Anti-Spank and his Cyborque army to save Spanktopia. The game’s over-the-top tone and absurd world design define its identity. It runs on PS3, PC, Xbox 360, Linux, and Mac. With single-player and multiplayer modes, it leans into co-op brawling and loot-heavy combat. The premise is silly, yes, there’s a “Fires of Bacon”, but the gameplay prioritizes aggressive melee attacks and spellcasting. It’s a niche title that aims to be wilder than it is deep.

Gameplay

You spend most of The Baconing hacking through enemies with a mix of melee weapons and basic spells. Combat is fast but repetitive, relying on quick button presses for attacks, parries, and dodges. The right stick controls movement, while face buttons trigger attacks and abilities. You collect loot to upgrade gear and unlock new moves, but progression feels linear. Multiplayer lets you team up to tackle zones and bosses, though coordination is minimal. The game throws you into endless waves of enemies, with each level pushing you toward the next boss. It’s a loop of fight, loot, repeat, less about strategy and more about raw button-mashing. The humor comes through in dialogue and cutscenes, but the gameplay rarely matches that energy.

What Players Think

The Baconing holds a 65.2/100 on IGDB, based on 14 critic scores. Community feedback is sparse but reflects its polarizing nature, some praise its over-the-top style, while others call it shallow. Average playtime is around 10, 15 hours, with most players finishing the main campaign. The original summary highlights “hilarious and sizzling” worldbuilding, but gameplay reviews often cite repetitive combat and lack of depth. No official achievement data exists, but completionists report minimal post-game content. Despite its quirky charm, it hasn’t aged well. Forums note its multiplayer can be buggy, and the single-player struggles to justify its 2011 release.

PlayPile's Take

The Baconing is a cult pick for fans of chaotic humor and action RPGs that lean into absurdity. It’s best played with friends in co-op for the shared laughs, but solo sessions feel tedious. While it lacks modern polish or depth, the game’s self-aware silliness might appeal to those who like irreverent stories. No official price is listed, but its 2011 roots mean it’s likely cheap or already owned. It’s not a great game, but it’s a memorable one, if you can handle the repetition and outdated mechanics.

Storyline

You are DeathSpank, a hero and the ultimate Dispenser of Justice. You must defeat the Anti-Spank and his army of Cyborques, before they cast an evil shadow over Spanktopia.