Metalheads unite!
GAMEPLAY - This game has an interesting concept of gameplay. At the most basic level, this game is a lot like GTA with some real-time strategy missions thrown in. What makes this game truly commendable is that everything about it is centered around heavy metal music, concerts, and gaining support as a band...and it doesn't stray from this at all, no matter how ridiculous it gets. Overall the gameplay is awesome. Whether you're doing side missions, breezing through the game, or cruising around in the Deuce mowing down critters while listening to the best music in the world, this game accomplishes this in a great way. - 9/10
STORY - Unfortunately this is probably the most lacking aspect of this game. There is a story, don't get me wrong, it's just incredibly short and full of unexplained events that happen in the plot. For example, the ending of this game is very anti-climactic, and actually make me say WTF out loud because I was so disappointed in it. It was so abrupt and left so much unexplained that unless they plan on making a second one, I was very unimpressed with how things ended up. - 7/10
GRAPHICS - The graphics, although very cartoon-y, are pretty awesome. As you drive around you're going to see landmarks and monuments reminiscent of icons of metal. Not only that, but the characters and just about everything else look amazing. - 8.5/10
SOUND - What would a game like this be without a great soundtrack? Nothing, that's what. This game's soundtrack is killer, but unfortunately you have to get to the last few portions of the game before the truly best songs become available to you. Aside from that, the voice-acting is great, and even pretty hilarious at times. - 9/10
LENGTH/REPLAY VALUE - Like I said before, the story here is very short. You're going to be through the story and run out of side missions in about a weekend's worth of playing. Unless you're determined to get every trophy, this one might be considered a rental-first game. - 6.5/10
BOTTOM LINE - Despite how short it is and how unfulfilled the central story seems to be, Brutal Legend is a very fun game. Granted listening to Jack Black say the same stuff over and over again can be a little annoying, but it's a small price to pay. It's just so hard to score this game any higher because of how short it is and how the replay value is next to nothing except for the difference in difficulty levels. Still, I don't think anyone will be disappointed with this game while it lasts, but I would highly recommend renting this first or at least waiting until it drops down to the $30-35 range. - 8/10