Apparently, Joystiq linked to the article, which just was published online yesterday. Full article here. I haven't read fully yet but it looks awesome.
Tim Schafer — the game designer known for funny cult hits like Psychonauts, Day of the Tentacle, and Full Throttle as much as his goatee and mischievous grin — is sitting in the San Francisco offices of Double Fine, paging through Heavy Metal Thunder, a paperback collection of rock-album artwork. He’s randomly discovered the cover image of Massive Killing Capacity, the third album by Swedish death-metallers Dismember. Backlit by an orange glow, a hulking armored mech suit with missiles for tusks and a chainsaw in each hand belches fire out of tubes on its back, lumbering forward on a battlefield littered with human remains. It’s as laughable as it is lethal.
“I mean, come on,” says Schafer enthusiastically. “How can you not make a videogame about that?”
Some more interesting clips from that OXM article:
Once slightly safe, Eddie realizes he’s atop a grisly temple made of skulls and corpses, and the landscape of this strange world is full of giant swords sticking out of the ground, towers of bone, pits of fire, wheels of pain, and other stuff you’d see, well, in the pages of Heavy Metal Thunder. “We tried to make every piece of concept art look like it could be a heavy metal album cover,†Schafer tells us. “That’s our decision-making process: ‘What do you think of this creature? Would you see it on an album cover?’ ‘Yes.’ Then it’s in.â€
Before the Titans of this world ascended to become the Metal Gods, they left behind the plans and parts for cars, weapons, and all kinds of cool stuff, but nobody has had the mechanical know-how to figure them out…until Eddie comes along. “He’s a roadie, so he can build anything,†reasons Schafer. “He’s a very practical-minded guy.†It’s not long before he learns a few riffs on his guitar — by tapping button combos, Ocarina-style — to raise ancient relics. Eddie snaps together a hot-rod (“the Deuceâ€) and teams up with Ophelia, a comely member of the human resistance who becomes Eddie’s love interest. Ophelia battles alongside Lars and Lita Halford, who have good intentions and great charisma but lack the organizational skills to mount a proper revolution against the demonic Tainted Coil and their human turncoat leader, General Lionwhyte (voiced by Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford). “General Lionwhyte kidnapped all the young men living in this town and took them to a mine,†explains Schafer, as the Deuce barrels toward our destination. “But he didn’t even give them any tools, so they’re forced to bash their skulls against the walls.â€
Finding the thick-necked men aren’t chained up but simply demoralized into submission, Eddie liberates the slaves with — what else? — the inspirational power of heavy metal, and turns these literal headbangers into his own army. A simple D-pad tap tells your boys to follow you, stay put, or attack a target — which in this case are glamtastic leopard-print statues of Lionwhyte that shriek “Teamwoooork!†Don’t worry, it’s not a strategy game, nor does Schafer even cite the minion-powered Overlord as an influence; the simple interface gives us the impression that commanding troops won’t be a burden, or stop you from cleaving nonbelievers in twain with The Separator.
From here, you’re free to explore Brütal Legend’s open world, finding battles and joining them at will. The Deuce makes it easier to get around, but you’ll also use it in races and in combat, since the car can be outfitted with weapons. You’ll buy upgrades with lighters, the cash-like reward for successful missions, sweet Deuce jumps, and “anything that we deem to be extremely metal,†says Schafer. As you progress, you’ll amass a bigger army of Ironhead forces and find new weapons — hot-rods with ballistas mounted on top, guys that carry enormous stacks of amps (which can be used to generate foe-crushing feedback), runaway rocker chicks with crossbows who ride on your shoulders (like at a concert, get it?), and chopper-riding Fire Barons who pack Molotov cocktails, which you can pour out to “create a ring of fire to burn your enemies,†notes Schafer. “Or just write your name.â€
I'm normally not a fan of open-world games, but if the writing is as Schafer as ever, then I'm going to love the game in spite of its gameplay.
As Lunker quoted, Schafer said every piece of art has to look like it would belong on a heavy metal album cover.
And it looks like the game will take several elements of other games and combine them with awesome.
Before the Titans of this world ascended to become the Metal Gods, they left behind the plans and parts for cars, weapons, and all kinds of cool stuff, but nobody has had the mechanical know-how to figure them out…until Eddie comes along. “He’s a roadie, so he can build anything,” reasons Schafer. “He’s a very practical-minded guy.” It’s not long before he learns a few riffs on his guitar — by tapping button combos, Ocarina-style — to raise ancient relics. Eddie snaps together a hot-rod (“the Deuce”) and teams up with Ophelia, a comely member of the human resistance who becomes Eddie’s love interest. Ophelia battles alongside Lars and Lita Halford, who have good intentions and great charisma but lack the organizational skills to mount a proper revolution against the demonic Tainted Coil and their human turncoat leader, General Lionwhyte (voiced by Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford). “General Lionwhyte kidnapped all the young men living in this town and took them to a mine,” explains Schafer, as the Deuce barrels toward our destination. “But he didn’t even give them any tools, so they’re forced to bash their skulls against the walls.”
Finding the thick-necked men aren’t chained up but simply demoralized into submission, Eddie liberates the slaves with — what else? — the inspirational power of heavy metal, and turns these literal headbangers into his own army. A simple D-pad tap tells your boys to follow you, stay put, or attack a target — which in this case are glamtastic leopard-print statues of Lionwhyte that shriek “Teamwoooork!” Don’t worry, it’s not a strategy game, nor does Schafer even cite the minion-powered Overlord as an influence; the simple interface gives us the impression that commanding troops won’t be a burden, or stop you from cleaving nonbelievers in twain with The Separator.
From here, you’re free to explore Brütal Legend’s open world, finding battles and joining them at will. The Deuce makes it easier to get around, but you’ll also use it in races and in combat, since the car can be outfitted with weapons. You’ll buy upgrades with lighters, the cash-like reward for successful missions, sweet Deuce jumps, and “anything that we deem to be extremely metal,” says Schafer. As you progress, you’ll amass a bigger army of Ironhead forces and find new weapons — hot-rods with ballistas mounted on top, guys that carry enormous stacks of amps (which can be used to generate foe-crushing feedback), runaway rocker chicks with crossbows who ride on your shoulders (like at a concert, get it?), and chopper-riding Fire Barons who pack Molotov cocktails, which you can pour out to “create a ring of fire to burn your enemies,” notes Schafer. “Or just write your name.”
And what was the motivation behind Jack Black's voice as Eddie?
“We said, ‘Let’s make Eddie half–Jack Black, half–Glenn Danzig,’” says Schafer. “Not like the Glenn Danzig/Jack Black lovechild, but like they had made out a little bit.”
I'm not necessarily a metal fan, but this is just so gloriously over the top I've got to try this.
Another interesting tidbit from the writeup: Schafer originally wanted Jack Black but didn't think he'd be interested, but then someone told him that Black was a big fan of Psychonauts.
Ninja Snarl PMy helmet is my burden.Ninja Snarl: Gone, but not forgotten.Registered Userregular
edited February 2009
The metal levels of this game are approaching ludicrous proportions. Hell, the level of metal itself is practically so awesome it's metal. This game is so metal, it's metal.
The metal levels of this game are approaching ludicrous proportions. Hell, the level of metal itself is practically so awesome it's metal. This game is so metal, it's metal.
Looks like Activision figured out how much they screwed up not publishing Brutal Legend...
Also, if that is not irony, I don't know what the fuck is...
So the people at Activision have no plans to actually publish the game, yet they are claiming that they have the publishing rights? Even after signing away the rights to EA? Talk about moronic. First they ditch a slew of games because they don't think they'll be easy enough to make sequels of, then they fight to get back the rights to one of them so a competing publisher can't make any money off of it. I suppose what gamers want truly has nothing to do with the way Activision does business.
And thanks for bringing this thread back up so I can once again see Scarab's post showing me how this game is even more metal than I thought. It is a thing of beauty. On a side note, I just noticed The Rocking One's belt buckle matches what I assume to be his new throne room. And so the metal scale plinks up another notch.
How can you hate the premise of playing as a roadie in the most metal of metal worlds ever conceived? This is more metal than the metalest metal times infinity!
I hope the game got a bike with sawblade wheels. Because nothing is more metal than painkiller, its the metalliest of all metalalbums ever released. Isnt Rob halford and Lemmy supposed to appear in this game? Because that would make this game so metal it hurts.
I hope the game got a bike with sawblade wheels. Because nothing is more metal than painkiller, its the metalliest of all metalalbums ever released. Isnt Rob halford and Lemmy supposed to appear in this game? Because that would make this game so metal it hurts.
Metal!
I love you.
Halford is in it, not sure about Lemmy mind. I hope he is, it would make this even more metal than it was.
Once again I find myself rooting for Activision and against EA. Come on Actiblizzon.
Why? Company A buysout Company B, drops some games they were making, Company C decides to publish one of the dropped games and Company A tries to cockblock it even though they didn't want it.
Why would you cheer for this? Even if you DON'T like the game or Company C it is a dick move.
GalagaGalaxian on
Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
I hope the game got a bike with sawblade wheels. Because nothing is more metal than painkiller, its the metalliest of all metalalbums ever released. Isnt Rob halford and Lemmy supposed to appear in this game? Because that would make this game so metal it hurts.
Metal!
I love you.
Halford is in it, not sure about Lemmy mind. I hope he is, it would make this even more metal than it was.
Last I heard Lemmy's in the game as
a Motorcycle-riding shaman who heals using bass tones
I hope the game got a bike with sawblade wheels. Because nothing is more metal than painkiller, its the metalliest of all metalalbums ever released. Isnt Rob halford and Lemmy supposed to appear in this game? Because that would make this game so metal it hurts.
Metal!
I love you.
Halford is in it, not sure about Lemmy mind. I hope he is, it would make this even more metal than it was.
I hope the guitar is powered by the souls of the damned and the tuning chord lets out an agonized shriek from the souls within.
I hope the game got a bike with sawblade wheels. Because nothing is more metal than painkiller, its the metalliest of all metalalbums ever released. Isnt Rob halford and Lemmy supposed to appear in this game? Because that would make this game so metal it hurts.
Metal!
I love you.
Halford is in it, not sure about Lemmy mind. I hope he is, it would make this even more metal than it was.
I hope the guitar is powered by the souls of the damned, the tuning chord lets out an agonized shriek from the souls within, a storm begins and lightning strikes into it.
Is there going to be a lot of beer in this game?because you cant have metal without beer. no matter what kind of metal it is(well perhaps not the kind of progmetal that is 20 MINUTES DRUMSOLO AND 15 MINUTES WAILING GUITARS! and synths )
perhaps a river of beer besides the mandatory river of blood and fire?
Posts
Catch the mystery, catch the drift.
Anyone see this yet?
You do know Geddy Lee has a normal speaking voice, right
INSTAGRAM
Also, that magazine did not have the exclusive review for Street Fighter IV! Liars!
Anyways, yeah, not much we can tell from the cover of that magazine other than Brutal Legend is indeed a video game that is on the Xbox 360.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwpGXfHmY-A
Apparently, Joystiq linked to the article, which just was published online yesterday. Full article here. I haven't read fully yet but it looks awesome.
EDIT:
INSTAGRAM
'Have you ever been to American Wedding?'
I'm normally not a fan of open-world games, but if the writing is as Schafer as ever, then I'm going to love the game in spite of its gameplay.
And it looks like the game will take several elements of other games and combine them with awesome.
And what was the motivation behind Jack Black's voice as Eddie?
I'm not necessarily a metal fan, but this is just so gloriously over the top I've got to try this.
Edit: LUUUUUUUUUUNNNKEEEEEERRRRR!!! *shakes fist*
Another interesting tidbit from the writeup: Schafer originally wanted Jack Black but didn't think he'd be interested, but then someone told him that Black was a big fan of Psychonauts.
I don't know, it's not that metal.
WRONG
Looks like Activision figured out how much they screwed up not publishing Brutal Legend...
Also, if that is not irony, I don't know what the fuck is...
So the people at Activision have no plans to actually publish the game, yet they are claiming that they have the publishing rights? Even after signing away the rights to EA? Talk about moronic. First they ditch a slew of games because they don't think they'll be easy enough to make sequels of, then they fight to get back the rights to one of them so a competing publisher can't make any money off of it. I suppose what gamers want truly has nothing to do with the way Activision does business.
And thanks for bringing this thread back up so I can once again see Scarab's post showing me how this game is even more metal than I thought. It is a thing of beauty. On a side note, I just noticed The Rocking One's belt buckle matches what I assume to be his new throne room. And so the metal scale plinks up another notch.
I must now go and rock out.
Also...METAL:
Youtube Channel!
You have a lolcats meme phrase in your profile and location. Clearly, you are no real arbiter of taste.
\m/
heh
A stong case sir. I present you with:
This game needs to emit a death scream when you turn it on. It HAS to.
Youtube Channel!
get it, cause my name was turned into a 4chan meme after I made it
get it?
do ya get tha joke
Anyway this game is gonna own if it ever comes out
Metal!
Ceterum autem censeo, Carthaginem esse delendam
I love you.
Halford is in it, not sure about Lemmy mind. I hope he is, it would make this even more metal than it was.
Youtube Channel!
Why? Company A buysout Company B, drops some games they were making, Company C decides to publish one of the dropped games and Company A tries to cockblock it even though they didn't want it.
Why would you cheer for this? Even if you DON'T like the game or Company C it is a dick move.
Uh, why? Activision is the one that dropped the game, EA's the one that picked it up and saved it.
Last I heard Lemmy's in the game as
Would saying that the thread title contains a joke help explain this a little better?
I hope the guitar is powered by the souls of the damned and the tuning chord lets out an agonized shriek from the souls within.
Youtube Channel!
perhaps a river of beer besides the mandatory river of blood and fire?
Ceterum autem censeo, Carthaginem esse delendam