As someone who lives and breathes metal music, I was beyond excited when I first heard about *Brutal Legend*. The combination of a fantastical setting inspired by heavy metal album art, along with the involvement of the legendary Tim Schafer (of *Monkey Island* fame) and the charismatic Jack Black in the lead role, had me intrigued from the very beginning.
The plot revolves around Eddie Riggs, a roadie who finds himself magically transported to a world that feels like it leapt straight off an album cover. He becomes an unlikely hero, championing the oppressed humans against a host of supernatural villains. It's a captivating premise that definitely had me hooked; who wouldn't want to save the world while rocking out?
The game kicks off as a platforming hack-and-slash title, complete with an electric guitar that doubles as an axe. The melee combat, while not groundbreaking, is satisfying enough for a game of this era, and the demo had already assured me that I was on the right track. You also get to drive around in a car, exploring a sandbox world that's richly infused with metal aesthetics. And honestly, just cruising through the stunning landscapes while jamming to the soundtrack brought me immense joy.
However, as the game progresses, it shifts gears dramatically into a third-person real-time strategy (RTS) experience. I must admit, this caught me completely off guard. While the idea of summoning and building units based on the metal community is a fascinating concept, the execution left something to be desired. The RTS elements felt clunky and unfulfilled compared to the exhilarating one-on-one combat that initially drew me in. It's a jarring transition that made me yearn for more of the brawling action I had enjoyed earlier.
Another aspect that fell short for me was the side missions. They felt less like meaningful activities and more like filler, lacking that extra spark of excitement that would have made them worthwhile. It seemed as if time hadn't been given the attention it deserved in this area, leaving activities that felt repetitive rather than engaging.
On the bright side, the music selection exceeded my expectations. Instead of just your typical '80s metal bands, the game features an impressive range of genres, including black metal and melodic death metal, which adds a fantastic depth to the experience. And let's not forget the voice acting-Jack Black, Jennifer Hale, and Tim Curry all deliver stellar performances that breathe life into the characters, making me genuinely care about their journeys.
While the game can be completed in about seven hours, the brevity might be off-putting for some. Sure, you can extend your playtime with those side missions, but given their lackluster execution, I found this to be a bit of a drag.
Ultimately, *Brutal Legend* earns a solid 7/10 from me. Despite its quirks and shortcomings, the game showcases tremendous potential and is a unique ode to the metal genre. I would have loved to see a sequel that could expand on this exciting universe, especially since it feels like there's so much more to explore. It's a shame that the game didn't achieve the success it warranted, but it still stands as a cult classic for metal fans and gamers alike.
