40 Facts About Brutal Legend

The World of Brutal Legend

"Brutal Legend" is a unique action-adventure game that blends heavy metal music with an epic storyline. Developed by Double Fine Productions and released in 2009, it has garnered a cult following. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this metal-infused game.

1. Jack Black as Eddie Riggs
   Jack Black voices the protagonist, Eddie Riggs. His comedic timing and love for metal music make him the perfect fit.

2. Tim Schafer's Brainchild
   The game was created by Tim Schafer, known for his work on "Grim Fandango" and "Psychonauts."

3. Heavy Metal Inspiration
   The game's world and characters are heavily inspired by heavy metal album covers and lyrics.

4. Star-Studded Cast
   In addition to Jack Black, the game features voices from metal legends like Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmister, and Rob Halford.

5. Epic Soundtrack
   The game boasts a soundtrack with over 100 metal songs from various subgenres.

Gameplay Mechanics

"Brutal Legend" combines different gameplay styles, making it a unique experience. Here are some intriguing gameplay facts.

6. Action-Adventure and Real-Time Strategy
   The game blends action-adventure elements with real-time strategy, creating a unique gameplay experience.

7. Open World Exploration
   Players can explore a vast open world filled with quests, collectibles, and hidden secrets.

8. The Deuce
   Eddie's car, The Deuce, is a customizable hot rod that players use to traverse the game's world.

9. Stage Battles
   The game's real-time strategy elements come into play during stage battles, where players command armies of headbangers and other units.

10. Guitar Solos
    Eddie can perform powerful guitar solos that have various effects, from summoning allies to melting enemies' faces.

Characters and Factions

The game features a diverse cast of characters and factions, each with its own unique traits and abilities.

11. Ironheade
    Eddie leads the Ironheade faction, composed of headbangers, roadies, and other metal-inspired units.

12. Drowning Doom
    Led by Ophelia, the Drowning Doom faction has a gothic, doom metal aesthetic.

13. Tainted Coil
    The Tainted Coil, led by Doviculus, represents the demonic side of metal.

14. Lars Halford
    Lars Halford, a key character, is named after Metallica's Lars Ulrich and Judas Priest's Rob Halford.

15. Kill Master
    Lemmy Kilmister voices the Kill Master, a healer who uses his bass guitar to heal allies.

Development and Release

The journey from concept to release was filled with interesting twists and turns.

16. Initial Pitch
    Tim Schafer initially pitched the game as a straightforward action-adventure but later incorporated real-time strategy elements.

17. Publisher Changes
    The game was originally set to be published by Vivendi Games, but after a merger with Activision, it was picked up by Electronic Arts.

18. Delayed Release
    The game faced several delays before its eventual release in October 2009.

19. Mixed Reviews
    While the game received praise for its creativity and voice acting, some critics were divided on its gameplay mechanics.

20. Cult Following
    Despite mixed reviews, "Brutal Legend" has developed a dedicated fanbase over the years.

Easter Eggs and References

The game is packed with Easter eggs and references that fans of metal music will appreciate.

21. Metal Album Covers
    Many locations and characters in the game are inspired by iconic metal album covers.

22. Ozzy's Shop
    Ozzy Osbourne's character runs a shop where players can buy upgrades and new abilities.

23. Lemmy's Bass
    The Kill Master's bass guitar is modeled after Lemmy's iconic Rickenbacker bass.

24. Headbanger's Ball
    The headbanger units are a nod to the MTV show "Headbanger's Ball."

25. Guitar Hero Reference
    One of Eddie's guitar solos is called "Face Melter," a nod to the "Guitar Hero" series.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some additional fun facts and trivia about "Brutal Legend."

26. Voice Acting Awards
    The game won several awards for its voice acting, particularly for Jack Black's performance.

27. Comic Book Series
    A comic book series based on the game was released, expanding on the game's lore.

28. Cancelled Sequel
    A sequel was planned but ultimately canceled due to various reasons.

29. Fan Art and Cosplay
    The game's unique art style has inspired numerous fan art pieces and cosplays.

30. Metalocalypse Connection
    Brendon Small, creator of the animated series "Metalocalypse," contributed to the game's soundtrack.

Legacy and Impact

"Brutal Legend" has left a lasting impact on both gaming and metal communities.

31. Influence on Other Games
    The game's unique blend of genres has influenced other games in the industry.

32. Metal Community Praise
    Many metal musicians and fans have praised the game for its authentic representation of the genre.

33. Soundtrack Sales
    The game's soundtrack has been released separately and has sold well among metal fans.

34. Merchandise
    Various merchandise, including action figures and clothing, has been released based on the game.

35. Live Performances
    Jack Black has performed songs from the game live at various events.

Hidden Gems

Even years after its release, players continue to find hidden gems within the game.

36. Secret Areas
    The game features several secret areas that reward players with unique items and lore.

37. Hidden Dialogues
    Interacting with characters multiple times can unlock hidden dialogues and backstory.

38. Rare Collectibles
    Certain rare collectibles can only be found through thorough exploration.

39. Developer Commentary
    A hidden developer commentary track can be unlocked, providing insights into the game's creation.

40. Fan Mods
    The game's community has created various mods, adding new content and features.

Final Thoughts on Brutal Legend

Brutal Legend stands out as a unique blend of action, adventure, and heavy metal. Its rich storyline, memorable characters, and epic soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of both video games and rock music. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, combining real-time strategy with hack-and-slash elements, offer a refreshing experience. Jack Black’s voice acting as Eddie Riggs adds a layer of humor and authenticity that’s hard to beat. While it may not have been a commercial blockbuster, its cult following speaks volumes about its impact. Whether you’re revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, Brutal Legend promises an unforgettable journey through a world where metal reigns supreme. So, grab your axe, crank up the volume, and dive into the chaos. You won’t regret it.