DeathSpank smacks XBLA this week

Microsoft's third annual Summer of Arcade promotion doesn't kick off until next week, but the action is already heating up on Xbox Live. Ron Gilbert's DeathSpank, which has been finished for months, finally releases on XBLA next to a television show-turned game and two Games on Demand entries.

Hothead Games' DeathSpank (1,200 MS points, or $15) arrives this Wednesday. The action role-playing game from now ex-Hothead Gilbert, supports cooperative play and has weapons, costumes, and other items to collect.

Ogres catch fire easily, or so it would seem.

The other XBLA title arriving this week is Deadliest Warrior: The Game (800 MS points, or $10) from Spike Games. The title, which is based off the Spike television program of the same name, lets players suit up as famous historical fighting classes (ninjas, knights, samurai), and battle it out. Players can customize their characters and take the fight online over Xbox Live.

Switching to Games on Demand, a duo of 2007 titles made its way to the download destination today. NBA Street Homecourt (1,600 MS points, or $20) from EA Canada is an over-the-top arcade basketball title, which lets players perform all sorts of high-flying and mesmerizing hardwood feats.

The other release in the Games on Demand department this week is Conan (1,600 MS points, or $20). From Nihilistic Software, the action adventure game puts players in the sandals and loincloth of the renowned Conan the Barbarian.

In other Xbox Live news, Microsoft has repositioned the release date for Destination Arcade, a new way to browse Xbox Live content through the Xbox 360. Originally pegged to release July 14, the new service will launch July 21 only in the United States, which is the same day the Summer of Arcade promotion begins. Additionally, the Destination will only be available until August 18.