Brütal Legend

By Gareth Von Kallenbach

From the mind of Tim Schafer comes the ultimate heavy metal action game starring Jack Black. Mixing action, humor, and heavy metal, Brütal Legend makes a statement as one of the most enjoyable and unique games in recent years.

Players take on the role of Eddie Riggs, a roadie who after an accident winds up a in a bizarre heavy metal themed world where demons and other deadly creatures run amuck and have enslaved the human race.

Undaunted, Eddie armed with his trusty battle axe and deadly guitar sets off to battle the bizarre demonic hordes and save the day. When not cleaving them with his axe or launching deadly guitar solos, Eddie can summon objects and awesome cars which he can use to mow down legions of bad guys as the metal music plays on.

Thankfully Eddie will have help in his quest, and a number of heavy metal legends pop up throughout the game which is a very nice dimension to the spawning open world maps that allow Eddie freedom to explore and battle the never ending army pitted against him as well as a slew of boss battles.

Since this is an action game, the action is fast flowing and does not become bogged down into a series of repetitive enemies and button mashing. I liked that my main weapons were activated by a single key which eliminated the need to cycle through weapons; a simple push of a button deployed the desired weapon and took care of business.

Brütal Legend was filled with great moments such as in the middle of a cut scene, I had to decide if I wanted to hear the full salty dialogue or if I needed it sanitized for my protection. I was also given this choice for the gore level of the game. I found this to be a clever nod to the controversy that often surrounds heavy metal and completed the immersive nature of the game.

Eddie is portrayed by comedian Jack Black who seems to be thoroughly enjoying the experience, as Jack also appears as himself in the intro to the game. Brütal Legend is not all about hacking and slashing, it is a true metal lovers experience as it features 108 classic songs from over 75 bands including Judas Priest, The Scorpions, Def Leppard, and of course, Ozzy.

The game also offers great online options such as the classic 4 vs. 4 battle of the bands which will allow players to battle for supremacy.

The graphics, sound, and gameplay are all first rate, and the game is so much fun, that you will find yourself laughing and head banging along to the action and solid story of the game. 

If I had to find fault, it would be that the game is shorter than one might want as I was having such a great time I did not want it to end.

That being said, Brütal Legend is an instant classic and a must own for action and metal fans everywhere.

Game: Brütal Legend
System: Xbox 360
Players: 1-8
Online: Yes
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Distributor: Electronic Arts

Rating: 80%

(Ratings Key/Explanation)

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