Brutal Legend
Okay, so… I might be the odd man out in shaming Brutal Legend like this. But allow me to explain, while I indeed consider the game a letdown, that doesn’t mean I thought it was bad. On the contrary, I rather enjoyed the time I spent with Brutal Legend, as evidenced by the largely positive impressions that I wrote on the game some months ago.
I just expected more from Brutal Legend. Or… perhaps I should say less? I don’t think Tim Schafer was quite sure what, exactly, he wanted his latest game to be. Is it a hack-and-slash action game? Or an RTS? Is it supposed to be humorous all the time, or are we supposed to occasionally take it seriously? Are we supposed to consult online guides in order to figure out the many unexplained mechanics and facets of the game, or is confused frustration supposed to be part of the fun?
I honestly don’t know, but my point is that Brutal Legend suffers from a serious lack of focus. It starts off strong, and becomes increasingly more convoluted as it goes on. Is it fun? Yes, it sure can be. Is it funny? At times, at least near the beginning. But in future endeavours, Tim Schafer needs to keep this particular saying in mind: “you brainstorm, I brainstorm, but brilliance needs a good editor.”
Runner Up: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2
That’s not really a saying, actually. If my memory serves, it’s the title of Manchester Orchestra’s first EP. Regardless, I thought it applied nicely.
Ouch! I quite liked it, but I can’t say I blame you. Before any game’s production gets underway, the devs should always have a clear idea of who the games audience will be, and Brutal was an very poorly targeted game!
Actually, more than anything this probably just demonstrates how clearly defined and predictable gamers like the delineation between genres, we can only really handle change one gimmick at a time without becoming upset. And so when a transgenred game like Brutal comes along, it doesn’t really sit as well as we might have hoped, as it’s mechanics aren’t as comfortable as those from the familiar genres that we have had repeat exposure to …
I don’t know, SN. I’m fine with genre-busting, label-breaking games that do whatever they want. But I think Brutal Legend suffered for making the choices it did. Again: there are many things I love about the game, but I was still let down.
This website is single-handedly responsible for me not purchasing this game last year. Just an FYI.
Ba-hahaha. Um. Glad we could be of service?
What exactly was said that deterred you? Not that I’m recommending the game, necessarily, I’m just wondering.
@Glenn- Haven’t you known these two long enough to know not to take everything they say seriously?
Go go gadget influence!