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Brütal Legend
Platform: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Developed by: Double Fine Productions
Published by: Electronic Arts
Release date: October 13, 2009
Official website: brutallegend.com
Game summary from EA:
"Brütal Legend tells the tale of Eddie Riggs, played by Jack Black. The ultimate roadie, Eddie is the first person anyone calls when they need guitars tuned or stages rigged, and has a love for hot rods and a photographic memory for every heavy metal album cover, and the lyrics those albums contained. One night, a stage accident knocks Eddie unconscious, and he awakens in a world that looks very strange yet oddly familiar, a world where every heavy metal album cover and lyric Eddie knows has come to life, and where the evil emperor Doviculus and his demon army, The Tainted Coil, have enslaved the last remaining humans. When an oppressed people request Eddie’s knowledge of modern warfare, he pulls from his own experience in the only occupation he’s ever had, a roadie for a heavy metal band, and under his command, this barbaric force of hot-rods, Marshall stacks, leather, and chrome will bring this ancient world into the age of metal."
Review Summary:
If you've ever wondered how a '70s or '80s Metal album would be like in video game form, Brutal Legend is the world in which you'll find out. Within this world, created from the mind behind Psychonauts and Grim Fandango, you'll experience a meld of various gaming genres. Also, with appearances by many famous Metal artists and an amazing soundtrack, gamers are sure to enjoy Brutal Legend. Try a new experience that you can't go wrong with. Read the full review for a more detailed breakdown of Brutal Legend's pros and cons.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Read the full review below.
Brutal Legend review
For anyone familiar with the mind of Tim Schafer, you'll know he's somewhat of a Tim Burton in the videogame realm. He creates distorted worlds and ideas, yet always douses them with comedy, unlike Mr. Burton. In his latest adventure, Brutal Legend, he creates a world that is a mash-up of all old school Heavy Metal albums.
Players will assume the role of roadie, Eddie Riggs (voiced by Jack Black), disgruntled with his job supporting "Screamo-Emo" bands of today. Many parts of the game take jabs at various types of rock that claim to be metal but are not the type loved by traditional fans. Brutal Legend features guest appearances by many famous Metal artists of the past. Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmeister, Rob Halford and many more. They serve as allies in your fight against Lord Doviculus. Some sell you weaponry and upgrades (Osbourne) while others aid you in your quest within the fighting segments.
Brutal Legend blends the atmosphere, story and gameplay elements in a fresh, unique way. It combines various gameplay styles in an open world which mesh well, to deliver a new spin on gaming. The whole game pretty much preps you, combat-wise, to tackle the multiplayer of Brutal Legend.
The multiplayer aspect of the game is a true treat, and players should definitely check it out. For those who think they may get demolished online, there is a practice mode against enemy AI. Assuming you've beat the game, if not then it isn't recommended jumping into the multiplayer mode or practice, it may deter you from playing it. Stick to the single-player story to learn the ropes then jump into multiplayer.
Players need to accumulate "Fire Tributes" through side-quests (which can be repetitive), also freeing Serpents, to upgrade weaponry and your car, "The Deuce." It is recommended at least, that you try to free as many Serpents as possible, this boosts your overall health in-game.
There is one more topic that needs to be discussed and is a blessing to the game: the music. Players are treated to over 100 heavy metal tracks (and sub-genres of metal) from the '70s through present time. They truly pace the gameplay and the story elements with finesse, never seeming out of place (see the full track listing here).
Aside from the repetitive side-quests and lack of a jump button, I have no gripes with Brutal Legend whatsoever. This game is one I recommend, and it is hard to pinpoint any specific audience due to its melting pot of variety, but it is well worth the purchase. For fans of Metal though, it's a must-buy.
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