Developer: EA
Format: Xbox 360, PS3
Genre: Action
Fantasy rock action in this genre blurring game
Are you ready to rock? We do hope so. Welcome to possibly the only Metal tribute game in existence - and the world is a better place for it. Brutal Legend is a Heavy Metal-themed fantasy action game, delivering a highly polished and often very humorous tribute to the OTT culture surrounding all thing Metal.
You play Eddie Riggs, voiced by Hollywood actor Jack Black. Riggs is a cigarette-smoking, leather-clad roadie who, due to an accident on-stage, has been transported to an enslaved world of Metal folklore that he must help liberate.
You spend much of your time driving a flame belching hot rod across a detailed 3D map inspired by rock album artwork - complete with flaming skulls, crumbling roads and guitar amp mountains. It looks a little like half Fable, half Iron Maiden.
You travel where you choose - undertaking core missions central to the plot whilst also engaging in a variety of optional secondary objectives, such as driving beer to the beach, earning Flame Tributes that can be exchanged for new weapon upgrades or moves.
The gameplay is a cocktail of different flavours, some more appetising than others. Both the driving and combat sequences are entertaining - the latter being of the traditional button-bashing, 'string combos together' variety. But as the game progresses it becomes more of a clumsy strategic exercise where you're tasked with micromanaging different units and issuing orders to attack and defend. Cumbersome controls that make specific unit selection tricky mar this undercooked portion of the game.
Fortunately, Brutal Legend oozes a personality that forgives occasional flaws. A witty script peppered with music jokes and supported by cameo appearances from rock gods Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy is complimented by a 100-song soundtrack featuring bands like Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. An online multiplayer option focussing on the strategy game adds further longevity.
Fans of good-looking, inventive games will be making devil horn hand signs at the chance to play through this noteworthy tribute to Metal. Highly recommended.
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