Brutal Legend - the first Tim Schafer game that I won't buy
I have played every Tim Schafer game and love all of them. But after playing demo of Brutal Legend and see reviews/video clips from the game, I've decided to skip Brutal Legend. All of previous Tim Schafer games have unique, undeniable timeless charms about them..
- Secret of Monkey Island : Unique settings (at the time), witty dialogs, memorable characters and mind bending puzzles. Unforgettable insult sword fight. A true adventure game classic.
- Day of the tentacle : Clever temporal puzzles and gameplay. I'd never forget solving a puzzle by adding vacuum cleaner in the constitution to solve puzzles 200 years later. It inspired me to learn more about US history than any textbook ever will.
- Full Throttle : Ben kicks ass.. enough said
- Grim Fandango : His magnum opus. I was immersed in the noir universe he created. Glottis is one of the most memorable sidekick ever in a game
- Psychonauts : I love the imaginative multiverses presented by each character. Because of that, I endure through the game eventhough the gameplay mechanic is pretty weak and the end boss is so frustrating.
The humors in these games do not need any pop culture references... comparing these games to Brutal Legend... The dialogs in the demo aren't all that funny. I felt like there are inside jokes for metal fans only. ("Jack Black in the game.. funny", "Ozzie in the game.. haha", etc.). It is Shrek-like humor compared to Pixar-like humor of his previous efforts. Finally, adding RTS gameplay element was a deal breaker for me.
Tim Schafer for me is a great writer and creative director. But as a game designer, he seems to be held back by the "gameplay" part. This seems apparent in 4-5 different unpolished gameplay mechanics in Brutal Legend.
Tim's game is always brilliantly written but he always struggled with the mechanic. Full Throttle's arcade sequence is subpar. Grim Fandango control & camera could be better. Same with Psychonauts. I don't want to endure a game just to follow the story anymore (especially in a setting that is not so appealing to me).
Good luck... Tim... I wish you the best for Brutal Legend and all your future games. For me, you have lost that magic touch. I'll go play Tales of Monkey Island instead of Brutal Legend.
- Secret of Monkey Island : Unique settings (at the time), witty dialogs, memorable characters and mind bending puzzles. Unforgettable insult sword fight. A true adventure game classic.
- Day of the tentacle : Clever temporal puzzles and gameplay. I'd never forget solving a puzzle by adding vacuum cleaner in the constitution to solve puzzles 200 years later. It inspired me to learn more about US history than any textbook ever will.
- Full Throttle : Ben kicks ass.. enough said
- Grim Fandango : His magnum opus. I was immersed in the noir universe he created. Glottis is one of the most memorable sidekick ever in a game
- Psychonauts : I love the imaginative multiverses presented by each character. Because of that, I endure through the game eventhough the gameplay mechanic is pretty weak and the end boss is so frustrating.
The humors in these games do not need any pop culture references... comparing these games to Brutal Legend... The dialogs in the demo aren't all that funny. I felt like there are inside jokes for metal fans only. ("Jack Black in the game.. funny", "Ozzie in the game.. haha", etc.). It is Shrek-like humor compared to Pixar-like humor of his previous efforts. Finally, adding RTS gameplay element was a deal breaker for me.
Tim Schafer for me is a great writer and creative director. But as a game designer, he seems to be held back by the "gameplay" part. This seems apparent in 4-5 different unpolished gameplay mechanics in Brutal Legend.
Tim's game is always brilliantly written but he always struggled with the mechanic. Full Throttle's arcade sequence is subpar. Grim Fandango control & camera could be better. Same with Psychonauts. I don't want to endure a game just to follow the story anymore (especially in a setting that is not so appealing to me).
Good luck... Tim... I wish you the best for Brutal Legend and all your future games. For me, you have lost that magic touch. I'll go play Tales of Monkey Island instead of Brutal Legend.
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Comments
You said it yourself: The setting and humor don't appeal to you. Since when has Tim been a one-trick pony? Just like Brutal Legend has nothing to do with Psychonauts, his next game will most likely have nothing to do with Brutal Legend. He's experimenting with styles at the moment, so there's no limit to what he may come up with next.
You know the adage... you can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the etc.
As Secret Fawful has already said, this game is merely aimed at a different demographic. I don't think that games like Brutal Legend are going to become all that common. So, I don't think you need to worry about Tim losing his "magical touch" because he makes one bad game.
Telltale Games have made a whole slew of mediocre games - such as their poker game, their CSI games, etc. Yet I do not hear anyone claiming that Telltale Games has "lost it". You don't need to be so melodramatic. I'm sure Tim will make a fantastic game later on that you will enjoy (and believe me, I enjoy his other work just as much as you do!)
The game is pretty funny. Almost as good as Psychonauts, and as funny as his others. And the gameplay is awesome. It's really good. Don't judge it by it's cover, it's still aimed at our demographic, it's just awesome too.
The only downside is the game is pretty short. There's a fair bit of replay value though, lots of bonus missions etc, and multiplayer is good.
So get it. If you liked the other Tim Schafer games you'll love this one.
I like Jack Black, good actor, but not so good movies...
The game just wouldn't amuse me, but I can accept it as a great step forward for Tim, the atmosphere, the music, all fit brilliantly in the game... too bad it doesn't appeal to me.
You can turn off gore and swears if it bothers you.
I think you would find it funny, it's not as funny as Psychonauts but it's as funny as his other work.
I was doubtful of this game at first, but it's about as mainstream as Full Throttle. If you're cautious, I recommend this game as a rental.
Monkey Island fans fear not, for the Brutal Legend is awesome.
http://alternativemagazineonline.co.uk/2009/10/14/friday-release-day-faceoff-uncharted-2-among-thieves-vs-brutal-legend/
I loved Uncharted 2 (just finished it) and about to play Brutal Legend right now... anybody else bought one of them/ or both?
Wow, won't even play it? You can't tell THAT much from a game's demo. I played it and I know I love it. Your loss I guess....I can't wait.
Have you PLAYED Monkey Island? :P
"You Fight Like A Cow"
Yep, lots of pop culture there...
"It belongs in a museum", "That's the second biggest ___ I've ever seen" from "Get Smart", the countless Star Wars quotes, the LOOM references, the dog-with-keys from the POTC ride, Elaine named after "The Graduate", Otis possibly named after "The Andy Griffith Show", the design of the Grog machine, the Sierra death gag...just off the top of my head
Go buy it. Now.
$60?
Dude, that's a discount game lol. It's $110 here, and I still bought it.
Go Buy Brutal legend.
It's the best action/strategy/any game you'll play this year.
"I'm selling these fine leather jackets" and "I must have left it in my other pants" are both from Indiana Jones and Get Smart respectively as well.
As for those who can play it, but won't: try it. Rent it, at the very least. Honestly, if I'd told you that I had some game about some guy who tries to sell a nun a luxury travel package and messes-up, would you care? I doubt it. Anyone who says otherwise is probably lying, really.
But why do I get the feeling this is a reaction to the game selling well? Really, now.
Yeah, but not being a creepy biology student*/metal roadie/uber physics nerd didn't stop you from kicking tentacle, did it? Or not being a pirate from kicking butt? And more butt? And unusually large butt?
Come on, you guys. It's Tim Schafer. Give it a chance.
The old World of Monkey Island site had a pretty thorough list of all the pop culture references, in case anyone's interested.
*Or so I hope.
Think Full Throttle, but about 50 times better. It's more badass, it's actually more strategic (the rts mechanic is great) and it's got a fair bit of replay value, especially if you play multiplayer.
It's just as charming as any other Schafer game, give it a rent if you're doubtful.
* 3 Inches of Blood - Deadly Sinners
* 3 Inches of Blood - Destroy The Orcs
* Accept - Fast As A Shark
* Angel Witch - Angel Witch
* Anthrax - Metal Thrashing Mad
* Anvil - March of the Crabs
* Anvil - Tag Team
* Apostasy - Sulphur Injection
* Bishop of Hexen - A Serpentine Grave
* Bishop of Hexen - The Somber Grounds of Truth
* Black Sabbath - Children of the Grave
* Black Sabbath - Symptom of the Universe
* Black Sabbath - Never Say Die
* Brocas Helm - Cry of the Banshee
* Brocas Helm - Drink the Blood of the Priest
* Budgie - Breadfan
* Budgie - Zoom Club
* Candlemass - Witches
* Carcass - No Love Lost
* Cloven Hoof Nightstalker
* Children of Bodom - Angels Don't Kill
* Coroner - Skeleton on your Shoulder
* Cradle of Filth - Her Ghost in the Fog
* Crimson Glory - Queen of the Masquerade
* Dark Fortress - Insomnia
* Dark Tranquility - Cathode Ray Sunshine
* Deathstars - Blitzkrieg
* Def Leppard - Rock of Ages
* Dethklok - Mermaider
* Diamond Head - Am I Evil?
* Dimmu Borgir - Progenies of the Great Apocalypse
* Dokken - Mr. Scary
* Dragonforce - Through the Fire and Flames
* Emperor - Thus Spake The Nightspirit
* Enslaved - Frost
* Enslaved - Loke
* Firehouse - Overnight Sensation
* Girlschool - Bomber
* Iced Earth - When the Night Falls
* Iced Earth - Pure Evil
* In Flames - Goliaths Disarm Their Davids
* Judas Priest - Battle Hymn
* Judas Priest - The Hellion/Electric Eye
* Judas Priest - Leather Rebel
* Judas Priest - One Shot At Glory
* Judas Priest - Painkiller
* Kabbage Boy - Girlfriend
* KMFDM - Free Your Hate
* KMFDM - Rip The System
* King Diamond - Cremation
* King Diamond - Welcome Home
* Kiss - God of Thunder
* Lita Ford - Betrayal
* Marilyn Manson - Beautiful People
* Manowar - Die For Metal
* Manowar - The Dawn Of Battle
* Mastodon - Crack the Skye
* Mastodon - Oblivion Instrumental
* Megadeath - High Speed Dirt
* Megadeath - Tornado of Souls
* Metal Church - Metal Church
* Michael Schenker - Group Assault Attack
* Ministry - Stigmata
* Ministry - Thieves
* Mirrorthrone - So Frail
* Motley Crue - Dr. Feelgood
* Motley Crue - Kickstart My Heart
* Motley Crue - Live Wire
* Motorhead - Back at the Funny Farm
* Motorhead - In the Black
* Motorhead - Marching Off to War
* Motorhead - We Are the Road Crew
* Nitro - Machine Gun Eddie
* Omen - The Axeman
* Ostrogoth - Queen of Desire
* Overkill - World of Hurt
* Ozzy Osbourne - Believer
* Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
* Ozzy Osbourne - Diary of a Madman
* Prong - Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck
* Quiet Riot - The Wild and the Young
* Racer X - Technical Difficulties
* Racer X - Y.R.O.
* Ratt - Lay It Down
* Riot - Road Racin
* Riot - Narita
* Riot - Swords and Tequila
* Rob Zombie - Superbeast
* Rotting Christ - Ad Notics
* Running Wild - Riding the Storm
* Sanctuary - Battle Angels
* Savatage - Hall of the Mountain King
* Saxon - Wheels of Steel
* Scorpions - Blackout
* Scorpions - Holiday
* Skeletonwitch - Soul Thrashing Black Sorcery
* Skid Row - Youth Gone Wild
* Slayer - Metal Storm/Face The Slayer
* Slough Feg - Warriors Dawn
* Static-X - Love Dump
* Tenacious D - Master Exploder
* Tenacious D - The Metal
* Testament - For The Glory Of
* Testament - More Than Meets The Eye
* Tvangeste - Birth of the Hero
* UFO - Rock Bottom
* Whitesnake - Still of the Night
* Wrath of Killenstein - Ignisis Dance
Emperor?! Man, if the man picked this score himself he hasn't lost anything. This is his hommage to Metal more than anything, and I was halfway expecting this list to be filled with the usual suspects. Granted, they're there, but this being a fairly mainstream video game still, I was expecting a tracklist that is merely meant to boost the sales of the game - with the odd Linkin Park Bizkit cover of a Metallica song sneaking in there.
Instead this is as uncool or should I say Metal as it probably gets - with many a name a riddle for today's video game audience to solve.
I'll stay on PC though, Tim. Sorry.
I´m playin Brutal Legend and is awsome!! TIM not only did not loose his touch but he created a world really fantastic! the characters, the dialogs, the world itself its something unique. It also reminds me about Ben! hehe.
For me, Brutal Legend is that kind of games that makes me love playing!
Thanks Tim!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jx3Vz6cpXY
...Boy, was I wrong.
It aced the things I cared about most in games... or at least, the elements most likely to bother me immensely. I am now convinced that voice acting and character animations can be done RIGHT. My hope is redeemed!
It's not a perfect game, but I adore it.
Multiplayer is great. There are some server issues with the ps3 version and matchmaking is iffy in both 360 and PS3, however it does work. Sorta.
It's really strategic, graphics and music are great and it's a blast to vs friends. Although the game encourages you to stick with the one army and steamroll, there's a lot of strategy in what units you'll use, when you'll doubleteam or not and what solos to use.
There's a lot of depth and it's the best console RTS out there.
I know! The only metal band I really really like and instead they stick in their American wannabe counterparts Iced Earth
One week, two games completed. One game was one of the greatest gaming experiences I've had since I first played through Metal Gear Solid 2, the other was yet another successfull Tim Schafer game. This man can't really do anything wrong (and neither can Naughty Dog, the creator of Uncharted 2, it seems). This year has been and will continue to be a fantastic year for gaming. We're getting spoilt now, and it looks like it's going to continue a long way into 2010.
One of the unfortunate trends I've noticed lately is the apparent need to place every game in a neat little box to make it easily identifiable. Well, that doesn't always work. Some games focus on one genre, and do it well, but some games just are what they are. Brutal Legend is one of the latter. When asked, I tell people that it has action-based combat, RTS-style major battles, a killer story and soundtrack, and that I love it. That's as much help as words can be--after that, it's up to the player to pick up a controller and decide if he or she enjoys the experience.
Oh, and I also was recently bemoaning the noticeable lack of Maiden. The only flaw I could find in the game.