Brutal Legend

The latest effort from boutique game studio Double Fine is inspired by the sounds, art and iconography of heavy metal music. You play Eddie Riggs, the world's best roadie, who is catapulted into the 'Age of Metal' after a stage accident takes his life. With a battle axe, a flying V guitar, a hot rod and a motley crew of human freedom fighters, Eddie travels the land seeking to end the reign of the dark emperor Doviculus and his glam minion General Lionwhyte.

The game combines elements of real-time strategy with action in a sandbox world. You can raise an army and direct their movements while simultaneously hacking and slashing your foes on the front line. The script and voice casting is superb – Jack Black reins in his over-the-top instincts to deliver a nuanced performance, and Ozzy Osborne and Lemmy Kilmeister bring some metal credibility. The landscape design is stunning; the sweeping vistas and abundant wildlife will have you cruising around just to sightsee. As the title suggest, the action is pretty gory, with blood flying everywhere when a kill is made, but you have the option to tone down the violence if your sensibilities are too delicate.

Whether you are into power chords and mullets or not, Brütal Legend is a well-made game that will have you shredding on your Xbox 360 for hours.

More television, DVDs, games and gadgets in Sydney? Sign up to our weekly newsletter