Review: Brutal Legend (PS3)

Release date: 16/10/2009

Publisher: EA
Developer: Double Fine Productions
Game Type: 3rd Person Adventure

In Tim Schafer's new opus You play as Eddie Riggs (a voice role that it seem Jack Black was born to do/voice) a tour weary roadie for Kabbage Boy who after an accident on stage is teleported to a heavy metal world (that is) ruled by Doviculus (voiced by Tim Curry) a viscous ruler that looks like a cross between The Darkness and The Mouth of Sauron. With the help of Ophilia, Lars and Lita (as well as splattering of support characters that are voiced by some Rock Royalty - Lemmy, Ozzy, Rob Halford etc), Eddie sets out to put an end to Doviculus' rule once and forever. Eddie's main weapons of choice are his trusty Flying V, his Conan style Axe and his custom Hot Rod, which goes by the name of The Druid Plow. Let me start by saying that buying this game was a 'no brainer' for me as it combines the two things I love the most...metal and video games!

Even by the end of the intro it's obvious that the game is in fact one big love letter to old school (True) heavy metal and can't resist making fun of modern mainstream 'metal' (Lets be honest its not hard!). The look, awesome soundtrack (that includes house hold names such as Kiss, Judas Priest, Saxon and Motorhead along side equally as good but less well known gems by the likes of Cloven Hoof, Budgie, Accept and Angel Witch) and multitude of references truly indicate that the game has been made by a group of people with a genuine love for the greatest, most ferocious genre of music in the world. Furthermore Its not just the selection of music but the use of it too. Whether its blasting it across the plains to meet the battle head on to the sounds of Dragonforce or confronting Doviculus to the thunderous blast of Painkiller, it truly does add that extra dimension and suits the scenes perfectly. In addition It's fun trying to spot all the metal references that are weaved into the fabric of the game (for example 3 of the main characters Eddie Riggs, Lars Halford, Lita Halford are all nods to rock stars or big names in the metal universe. Plus a Weapon upgrade called Bolt Thrower. Genius!).

Each area of the game map has its own distinct feel. From the metal mammoth filled snowy mountains to the murky swamps its all nice to look at and pretty much any part of the landscape could have been lifted from a Manilla Road or Cirith Ungol LP sleeve. In addition to this there is the usual Zelda-esque day/night cycle (Look out for the collapsing moon and meteor show...v cool!)

I thought the game had a nice variety too - Unlike some other games (Assassins Creed?) that are advertised as "hugely varied and non repetitive due to the x amount of game types and various secondary missions etc" when in reality whether you're playing an 'assassin', 'chase' or 'delivery' mission they all have the same game mechanic at its core (in the case of Assassins Creed 2, free running), there is some genuine diversity to be found in Brutal Legend. While the Real Time Strategy (RTS) sequences got blasted by some quarters, the gameplay is more varied than a lot of 3rd person games. As mentioned eventhough the RTS sections can be a bit clunky and frustrating it is a breath of fresh air and a brave move. Personally once I got use to them I quite liked them, even if it is a bit over used. I think the game would have benefited from a more traditional 3rd person approach to some of the bosses, a la Spider Queen in the Lair of the Metal Queen mission. However all is not lost as the last level is a nice combination of all the elements that make up the game (driving vehicles, RTS, hack 'n' slash, dishing out magic etc).

However its not without its flaws. Forgetting the previously mentioned RTS element there were two things that really annoyed me. The first is that there is no mini map/GPS HUD. This is really annoying when driving and also when you are trying to work out where your troops have walked off to in the numerous Stage Battles. The second annoyance is the fact that you cant jump!There are bits where you find yourself having to walk out of your way just to navigate round a clump of grass or rogue pebble! It seems so silly and on a par with 'invisible walls' with regards to things that make no sense in the context of this/a game.

While I think anyone with a love for a good game will enjoy Brutal Legend, I somehow feel that metal fans in particular will get the most out of it. However don't ignore it if you don't have a love for metal as you may miss out on a great (if in places frustrating) gaming experience.

Graphics - Looks great, while not Killzone the developers certainly haven't overlooked the graphics and brilliantly brings the Heavy Metal world to life.

Playability - While it takes a while to get use to the RTS sections (especially if you're not familiar with the genre) it is really playable fun game for all levels of gamer. Like most sandbox games you can follow the main campaign or just drive round discovering the varying areas of the map. Unlike GTA4 you don't have to worry about be gunned down by policeman if you accidentally stray of course. Due to the unexciting side missions there is little replay value, unless of course you want some Trophies (Who doesn't?!?!).

Sound - Nice, solid use of surround. Unlike some games you notice the 5.1 mix. Plus it feels good cranking out some Priest while gaming!

Overall - While the main campaign is quite short and the RTS section have their faults it is really enjoyable and a must for true metal fans \m/.