Brutal Legend

Lots of people slammed this game for it's action/RTS hybrid, but in my humble opinion, that is what makes Brutal Legend such a brilliant game gameplay wise. They built a core strategy game that is much deeper than given credit for. Things like being able to interact with your soldiers for unique attacks, buffs, or debuffs, using your guitar to essentially cast spells, and the hack and slash action add-in the extra depth needed to make the game complete. So many harp on Brutal Legend's gameplay, but it's done so well and is incredibly unique and enjoyable. I'm looking forward to getting back into the fray from my xbox 360 and into the PC because this game really is a complete package for me with great gameplay, fantastic storytelling, a world literally unlike any other, brilliant soundtrack, and just a fountain of great memories and interaction. I can't recommend this game enough. It's one of the best games I have ever had the pleasure of playing with.

Everyone should play at least one of Tim Schafer's games. He's freaking genius! First time I bought this game on Steam, played through several initial levels - but gamepad didn't work, and then RTS elements kicked in (I hate RTS mixed with other game mechanics!)... But the story, characters, humour and this silly world of Heavy Metal Album Covers and... and... JACK BLACK! This time bought it here, maybe they at least fixed gamepad support. Aaaaand I'm an idiot, ok.

I can sum this game up in one simple question: If you died right now, would you rather go to heaven... OR THE WORLD FROM THE HEAVY METAL CARTOON?! If you answered the latter, buy this game immediately.

I played Brutal Legend every day.

Back in the day I let this one pass me by and I'm not really sure why. Years later, my roommate asked me if it was any good and I couldn't really give him a decent answer. We ended up buying it together, second hand, and I immediately regretted not picking it up when it came out. This game is an unabashed love letter to the rock and metal genres. The game world oozes metal, the writing is hilarious and the voice cast clearly had fun while they brought their characters to life. My favorite moment is when Jack Black's character frees a couple of Headbangers and decides on a name for his new crew: "You shall now be name Ironheade! With an 'E' on the end, so people know we're not f*cking around." The soundtrack is also excellent and more daring than I would've given EA credit for otherwise. Cradle of Filth? Dimmu Borgir? I know, I know, some of you will find those bands way too mainstream and/or commercial, but I really hadn't expected to find those bands in an EA game, even if the subject is Metal. The actual game part is decent but not anything special. The world is pretty big and visually varied but offers little to do, aside from collectible scavenging and repetitive side-quests. The story-line missions will have you directing battles in a somewhat RTS-like fashion but it lacks depth and couldn't carry the game on its own. No, this game's strenghts are its awesome world and characters. If you're into metal I can guarantee that you'll love it, but be warned otherwise.