This doesn’t ruin the online game, but it is something you’ll have to deal with. a common problem that occurs in all RTS titles, so expect to have a few headaches online.

The system in Brutal Legend isn’t as innovative in making the RTS play good on the console. Targeting the right enemies or simply keeping focus on everything that is happening can be troublesome because of the wild camera. One problem with the stage battles that is amplified online is camera issues.

Online matches run the same as in the single player although you will have to be a little craftier as human players can be much more frantic and unpredictable. There are three factions starting with Ironheade (Humans-Led by Eddie), The Drowning Doom (Goth & Emo- Led by Ophelia) and the Tainted Coil (Evil Creatures-Led by Doviculus). In the multiplayer section the stage battles can have up to 4vs.4 teams with each player selecting a different faction. RTS fans will find Legends stripped down RTS mechanics a breeze while others might struggle for in the first few battles, however trust me, Brutal Legend is easier than other, quicker RTS games like Starcraft, or Warcraft. Like an RTS you have different units which can be upgraded and although its not archers and fighters you have a similar class structure running with ranged, melee, healers and such. Units spawn from the stage and can be directed into battle with the D-Pad. As you fan support (looks like glowing souls) power up the stage resources are gathered and units can be built. New units can be called upon to help depending on your fan support which is harvested by playing on your electric twanger (guitar). Stage Battles have Riggs and his band of vagabonds defending a monstrous sized stage from oncoming attackers. These stage battles are only a part of the single player game in Brutal Legend, however the multiplayer potion of the game is made up sonly of stage battles. The RTS portions of Brutal Legends are called “Stage Battles”. Micromanagement if you will, but more on the light side. Don’t let the world RTS scare you, Brutal Legend can still be played at ground level (for the most part), but you will still need manage your troops, build upgrades and manage resources, just like a RTS. This transition is done smoothly and feels natural, but it does run the risk of alienating some of the players who aren’t interested in split gameplay mechanics. In the initial stages you will be in the guise that you’re playing an a-typical action game and then Brutal Legend shifts gears and brings in the real-time strategy gameplay. The gameplay follows Eddie in the third-perspective in a combination of real-time strategy game and your classic beat em’ up action affair. Brutal Legend isn’t groundbreaking when you break down the storyline and objectives in their purest form, however in its disguise of metal Brutal Legend is cagey and astonishingly intelligent. In this fantasy world which is based off the lore of classic Heavy Metal music, Black-Riggs learns that he and his skills can save this world from an enslavement of evil. Black plays a stage hand that is warped into a fantasy world after a tragic accident during a live concert. Brutal Legend initial publicity has to go to their lead character, Eddie Riggs, who is voiced and modeled after comedic actor Jack Black. In October, cleverly renamed Rocktober by Brutal Legends promotional avalanche, Brutal Legend has hit store shelves and much like the source material the hardcore fans have lined-up to pick up Schafer’s latest. Even if the gameplay doesn’t follow the same innovation as the concept, Brutal Legend will be remembered as one of 2009's most original games. This heavy metal tribute turned fantasy action game is nothing but a labour of love that twists gamers into Schafers' unique world.

Tim Schafer, the man behind Double Fine is known for his passion in the gaming industry and it shows in Brutal Legend. Brutal Legend follows Psychonauts same sense of originality and innovation creating a world that is interesting, original, and above all else, fun. Three years off the heels the critically acclaimed platfomer Psychonauts (2005), Double Fine Productions heads in a new direction with the action-adventure Brutal Legend. Prepare to rock with Double Fines' Brutal Legend. The metal gods would be happy and so are we. Staring non other than Jack Black as Eddy Riggs, Brutal Legend brutally servers up a good does of gaming destruction. Brutal Legend looks to build its own legend in this action adventure, metal inspired opus.

Ophelia brutal legend concept art