Brütal Legend * * * *

Jack Black has risen from small beginnings to become a prominent comedian - anyone who watches movies knows who he is, and his recent leanings towards the "rocker-slash-metalhead" side of things have won him many new fans. Not that those leanings are all that new ... Black has been the lead vocalist of the fun-oriented rock band Tenacious D for some time now (having spawned a TV series, two albums and a movie from the arrangement) and has subsequently become a champion of rock and metal-based humour.

Metal Rescue

It is little surprise, then, that he would be the "star" of Brütal Legend, a game by the near legendary developer Tim Schafer (whose credits include cult classics like Grim Fandango and Full Throttle). Black lent his likeness and voice to the game in the form of Eddie Riggs, a metal-band roadie who is magically transported to a fantasy realm that needs to be saved from exploitation and slavery.

If you know a bit about heavy metal, the name Eddie Riggs may ring a bell. It is an amalgamation of the iconic skeletal mascot of Iron Maiden (called Eddie) and the artist who came up with him (Derek Riggs). And the references don't stop there. Characters with names like Lars and Lita are direct references to metal performers, and characters sharing the likenesses of Lemmy Kilmister and Ozzy Osbourne make regular appearances. There is even a bit part played by Kyle Gass, Black's partner in Tenacious D.

The Good Stuff

As much as Brütal Legend is an adventure game, it is also a celebration of metal. Not that screamy, discordant "nu-metal" that is being produced these days, but rather the classic, powerful stuff of previous years. Names like Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Mötley Crüe and Budgie populate the generous soundtrack, which is ever present during the game.

Brütal Legend is part adventure, part action and even has a light strategy element thrown in. As Eddie, the player can explore the large fantasy realm at will, meeting lots of interesting characters, completing main and side quests, and chuckling at the metal references and other humour. In fact, Schafer's influence can be felt very strongly in the game, in the way that the humour is presented. And Brütal Legend is funny. Even with stylised characters, Schafer manages to bring nuances of expression and action into the game, making it even funnier.

Parents should be aware, though, that the game is crammed with violence and bad language. Both can be deactivated during the early stages of the game (through the use of humorous dialogue boxes) but the full effect of the title can only truly be appreciated with them turned on.

Easy Does It

The game is very simple to play. The controls are uncomplicated, even when commanding other troops in the large "stage battles" that come up every now and then. The upgrade system is fairly deep, but not complex. Eddie only ever has two weapons and one vehicle, all of which can be upgraded. The game dynamic is easy to come to terms with. This game was not designed for hardcore gamers, although the humour and addictive nature of the game will most certainly win them over.

Rather, it is a game for fans of Jack Black and, more accurately, fans of "old school" heavy metal. It is a fitting homage to, and celebration of, that good old stuff that just isn't being recorded anymore, and delivers more than a few belly laughs to boot.

In short, Brütal Legend is uncomplicated, entertaining and, most importantly, fun. It is full of the kind of cheesy metal clichés one would expect from Black, and should not, by necessity, be taken too seriously. It's the kind of game that allows the player to kick back, relax, and bang some heads.