Tim Schafer is a man with unique vision and insight. His game worlds constantly challenge a player’s idea of fun and originality. His new game “Brutal Legend” is no different.
Set in an alternate medieval universe, you play as Eddie Riggs (as voiced by Jack Black), a roadie who is transported back in time to save a world based on heavy metal. From head-bangers to hot-rods to a mountain made up entirely of skulls, anything that has been the least bit associated with metal is represented. So does “Brutal Legend” please the metal gods, or will it fade from public view as its source material has?
The game starts as Eddie is working as a roadie for a teenybopper band who claims to be metal. After an accident on stage, Eddie is taken back in time where Doviculus and The Tainted Coil have enslaved humanity.
The first thing the player will notice is the metal atmosphere of the world. Any metal album cover of old has some influence on what is going on. Every character is fashioned after a different form of metal music and allows the player to easily detect the separate factions in the game.
Although there are only four main groups (heavy metal, Goth metal, hair metal, and death metal), all other subgenres are represented in the creatures populating the world.
The audio work for the game may be its strongest point. As with the characters, all genres of metal are represented. Black Sabbath, Motley Crue, Skid Row, and DragonForce are all here, along with many other metal classics. Schafer and the rest of the designers at Double Fine knew that to get players to better connect with the world, they needed to have some familiar voices leading the action.
Along with Jack Black, the designers were able to sign other metal legends, including Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead, to lend their talents to the game.
Eddie Riggs (as voiced by Jack Black), plays one of his legendary guitar solos. Throughout the game players are able to locate and perform these solos, which each have their own special powers. Here Eddie is performing the Relic Raiser, which is used to raise ancient metal relics throughout the game world, creating new landmarks. (Courtesy screenshots / Double Fine Productions and Electronic Arts)
After the game presents this near-perfect metal world to the player, all that’s left is the game play, and that’s where things start to fall short. The game is split between two different game types, a hack-an-slash that puts a player right into the action fighting against demons with an axe and guitar, and an RTS which forces a player to issue troop movements and capture points which will allows a call for more troops into battle.
Forcing the player to not only fight alongside the troops in battle, but also deal with what is going on back at the stage or base quickly complicates the game. The lack of an adequate explanation of certain abilities and tactical moves is a glaring oversight and only frustrates players.
If players buckle down and force themselves to learn how to play the game correctly, the results can be rewarding. There is an option to take these battles online to play against others, but unless you have a friend who is at your skill level, get ready to lose quickly and often.
The game is rather short, clocking in around eight to twelve hours, but a number of side quests and collectibles extend its lifetime shortly. Luckaly the story is strong and encourages players to go back through and play it all over again.
It’s a shame that a game with an almost-perfect world and soundtrack will most likely be overlooked by the vast majority of consumers.
If you’re a Schafer fan, then this game is worth your money. His offbeat sense of humor is present throughout the entire experience and will keep you talking about it for days.
Metal fans should take notice of the game and invest if they are interested. For casual players, this game may be too hard. Unless you’re an RTS fan, the game is difficult to recommend.
“Brutal Legend” is now avalible for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.
