Brutal Legend
Preview
Heavy Metal, Demons ruling humans... uh oh...
by Vyle
previewed on PS3
Melodious weaponry
Right now, there are a number of stereotypes available who all have their own special attacks. The squads can be controlled with the D-pad, issuing commands as has become the norm in squad based shooters. The confirmed groups so far are Headbangers (who have thick necks); Roadies, who wear amps on their backs that can be used to blast foes; Runaways, who are girls that carry flamethrowers and can sit on Eddie's shoulders. Others include Fire Barons that ride motorcycles and can trap enemies in rings of fire and Bouncers that have large fists that are just right for pummeling enemies.
Traveling through a world full of evil demons isn't without its hazards. Going into a war without the ability to fight would be foolish. Luckily, Eddie finds an axe early in the game, which can be used to hack and slash through enemies. His guitar, brought over from the real world, can also be used as a weapon. Imbued with magical powers in the heavy metal era, the guitar can be used to cause volcanoes to erupt. If Eddie plays a face melting solo, in this world it will cause faces to melt. Schafer has stated that the extent the music will play in the game is still to be decided, but the team is experimenting, so the guitar may well get more powers as development continues.
Fire Tributes
The guitar can also be used to summon The Deuce, Eddie's personal motorcycle. The bike can be customized, for a price. The local currency in the Nordic realm is something called ‘Fire Tributes’ These Fire Tributes look like lighters in the sky, and are awarded by the gods for completing sub quests. These quests can be for instance participating in races, meeting certain combat requirements, or beating mini games. Tributes can also be traded in to learn the secrets of the Titans. The secrets amount to upgrades for The Deuce, weapons, or even other bonuses that have yet to be decided.
A multiplayer mode has also been confirmed, but concrete details have yet to emerge. The only thing we know is that it will most likely focus on large scale battles. Interestingly the core battle mechanic of the main game was devised during the early stages of development, as the multiplayer was the first aspect of the game to be designed.
Wasteland
The graphics are also very unique. A barren wasteland has been chosen as the main world, yet it is filled with enough bizarre life forms to keep things interesting. Every character and object fits perfectly in the heavy metal theme of the game, giving it a consistent style of its own – a quality many games lack these days. The graphics sport an almost waxwork look, but when in motion, they look like the pinnacle of 'claymation'. It is a strangely unique look that works perfectly given the subject matter.
With a compelling art style, an exciting and unique story and interesting ideas in spades, Brutal Legend looks set to tear through the competition like a Randy Rhoads guitar solo when released later this year.
