Brutal Legend

Music Director Emily Ridgway: Brütal Songs #1

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recently we sat down with Emily Ridgway from Double Fine, Music Director on Brütal Legend, so we could talk about a few of the songs selected to be in the epic soundtrack of Brutal Legend. We discussed the process of selecting music and the challenges and opportunities involved when you are selecting metal songs for a game inspired by metal and then explored a few key tracks and lyrics, discussing how they add to the Brutality of gameplay.

“When you add real metal bands to the incredible landscapes and stories in Brutal Legend, you have no choice but to just live in the game. The contribution real metal makes, is that good. It drags you in whether you like it or not, and makes the whole experience seem real.” Emily explains, “It’s not a parody about metal at all, it’s a tribute, to the bands and people that live and breathe metal every day.” She gave a few examples of how the metal fantasy taking place in many of these songs translates literally to the game. Racing down the roads / In a street machine of steel / Gears are jammed in full / Im a madman at the wheel. These lyrics from Anthrax’s Metal Thrashing Mad, selected to be on the Brutal Legend soundtrack. This is one of many songs you get in the Druid Plough Hotrod’s ‘Mouth Of Metal’. “There are lots of roads in Brutal Legend, you are actually driving a street machine of steel, you don’t have to worry about gears so technically you’re always jammed in full, and you’re more than likely mowing down druids left and right like some kind of crazed madman. It’s perfect. Driving the Druid Plough, listening to Metal Thrashing Mad, it’s like you’re living the song. That was one of our main goals with all our choices, to create that link between the songs and lyrics and the story/actions of player. The end result is just incredible immersion and fun.

However, the relation doesn’t stop there. Emily explains that Brutal Legend needed each of its in-game factions to have their own genres of music, specifically noting Ophelia’s faction is heavily rooted in symphonic black metal. “You know, I have to say that symphonic black metal works with Ophelia’s army so perfectly. There’s something about it, the musical fusion of elegance and opulence, combined with intense weight and darkness, it’s just so incredibly dramatic. The emotion of it is so overwhelming, and that’s what Ophelia’s faction is all about. Don’t get me wrong though, we have a healthy amount of traditional black metal and death metal that we reserve for the more, umm, “heavy” moments in the story.”

Finally, Emily gave us a little insight as to some of the hidden tracks within the game. “There’s so much amazing metal out there that is relatively unknown. One of the other goals we had was to expose some bands and songs that for one reason or another haven’t gotten as much attention as we think they should have. So in Brutal Legend, we turned the tables a bit. We start the player off with a lot of rare and cult metal by default, and we then hide the classics and well known songs around the world. It’s like the reverse of real life. So if you want to hear the full soundtrack to the game, it’s going to take a bit of exploration.”

Brütal Legend x Mishka NYC T-Shirts

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Double Fine Productions, creators of Brütal Legend, and Mishka NYC recently collaborated to create two of the most Brütal t-shirts the world has ever known for die hard Ironheades and fashion fiends alike.

The two designs reflect the many faces of the Brutal Legend Legion and the world of Heavy Metal.

The Headbanger graphic channels the loud and reckless spirit of Ironheade’s loyal foot soldiers. We worked with James Callahan who has worked with modern day Thrash heroes Municipal Waste, to bring a scene of pure metal aggression to life, creating an epic Stage Battle on your chest. Headbangers pulverize puny Glam Rockers in the pit as a band of Brütal characters including Mishka’s own Cyco Simon deliver the decibels.

The second shirt features a Razorgirl charging forward on a furious Fire Beast. The graphic modernizes the epic girl meets monster designs used by so many early heavy metal bands. We worked with Daniel Mumford who has worked with Black Dahlia Murder and other metal greats, to flesh out a 21st century take on a classic seventies Metal fantasy using two of our most iconic characters. All that’s missing (and thankfully so) is a glitter heat transfer on a ringer tee.

In the coming months we will be providing multiple opportunities for the fans of Brütal Legend to get their hands on these amazing shirts. In the meantime, Mishka’s Bloglin has 2 copies of Brütal Legend for Xbox 360 and another 2 for the PS3 to give away to get you started in the wonderful world of Brütal Legend and indoctrinate you into the Legion! All you need to do is simply mail us at brutal@mishkanyc.com with either Xbox or Ps3 in the subject line and you will automatically be entered to win. Winners will be randomly selected and notified by Friday Nov. 20th.

Stay tuned and stay Brütal!

http://www.brutallegend.com
http://facebook.com/brutallegend
http://twitter/brutallegend
http://mishkanyc.com

Welcome to the Official Brütal Legend Site

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

What’s up Ironheades!

Welcome to the new and improved Brütal Legend site. There’s a lot to see and do here and the site will be evolving and growing over the coming months.

I wanted to take a minute to run you through some of the site’s features and give you some tips on how to rate, comment and share on just about everything we have on the site.

On the home page you’ll see the latest videos front and center, click to play instantly and click the expanding arrows for big ass HD glory. The symbol that looks like this < > next to the word SHARE lets you share any video with your friends online at Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Myspace and more.

Next to the video player is a tantalizing pre-order promo. Click it, don’t be shy now.

Below that is an image with a little tabbed selector, this will link you through to the latest content on the site, see exclusive footage from the floor of E3, visit Brutal Legend on Twitter or see Jack Black’s latest Brütal Thought.

On the right side of the page you’ll also find a callout for the Brütal Legend newsletter and a sample of the latest post on our blog page. Click to sign up or visit the blog respectively.

Beneath the video player is a small sample of the site’s latest media. View images, share them with friends or download the full shot and Photoshop your dog into it.

The last item of note on the home page is the Double Fine logo. Poke this to visit the Double Fine blog and experience the glory that is Double Fine Action News.

Next up on the navigation bar is “About Brütal Legend.” If you don’t know what Brütal Legend is, it’s possible that you’ve already been beaten up by your friends and for that we’re sorry! But you can learn enough about the game to keep the pitchforks at bay in this section of the site.

Next there’s “Media.” Which is a way to say video, screenshots, concept art and more! View it. Share it. Download it all right here. If you’d like to filter media by type, recency, rating or views, click the filter criteria right next to the words “sort by:” in the gallery at the bottom of the page.

We will be rolling out new downloadable items for you over the coming months, and you’ll always be able to get them on the “Extras for Fans” page. Right now there are Wallpapers and buddy icons to help you share your love of Brütal Legend with co-workers, classmates or anonymous chatroom visitors worldwide.

Our Blog will feature regular updates on Brütal Legend from the team at Double Fine. Check back often for the latest info, sneak peeks, and photos and footage from the behind the scenes.

If you’ve been poking around the site and have opinions that you’d like to share with the world or with the team, stop by the Forums and discuss all things Brütal!

Hopefully if you are still reading this, you feel a bit more familiar with the site and not too bored by nerd terms like “blog” and “hopefully.” Come back soon and follow us at www.twitter.com/brutallegend for all the latest Brütality!

Brutal Legend Pre-Order

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Going nutshit while you wait to get your hands on Brütal Legend? You’re not alone! In response to the Brütal Legion’s overwhelming support for the game, Tim Schafer announced that the Brütal Legend demo will soon be available on Xbox Live and PSN. If you want to be granted access to the demo early on September 17th, as well as a special in-game guitar inspired by Tenacious D, head over to a participating retailer and pre-order Brütal Legend. Check out the below list to find out how to pre-order and make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to battle through a heavy metal fantasy world in Brütal Legend this Rocktober. If you're still not convinced you can wait until the demo is released to those who "forgot" to pre-order, but that won't guarantee you a copy on Rocktober 13th.

US
GameStop

UK
GAME

Australia
EB Games

New Zealand
EB Games

Italy
Blockbuster
GameRush

Finland
Netanttila
VPD
Discshop

Brutal Legend at San Diego Comic Con

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We just got back from San Diego Comic Con, and had a great time meeting fans, getting Brutal with GWAR and showing Brütal Legend to the likes of Lando Calrissian and the masked luchador.

The show started for us at the EA Studio Showcase, an early opportunity for press to see Brutal Legend and talk with Tim and the team about the game. Our area at the showcase featured skulls and tombstones, needless to say it suited us.

After the Showcase was over, we headed to the convention floor, where we were greeted by swarms of fans who showed up early for Preview Night at San Diego Comic Con. Within minutes of the floor’s opening, people were lining up in droves to play the game as we worked furiously to get Brutal Legend patches in every open palm (people at Cons love free stuff!).

The next day Tim showed up to sign limited Brutal Legend posters and meet the fans (nice shades Tim), one of which even brought his own fan art! After a full day of show floor madness, mediocre Starbucks muffins and total Brutality, it was time to head to the Brutal Legend Metal Meltdown presented by Vice featuring Unholy Pink, 3 Inches of Blood and everyone’s favorite scumdogians, GWAR! Before the show we had a few left over VIP wristbands to give away to fans.

Once the proper people were rewarded with balcony access, we headed in. The crowd was incredible, the drinks were strong and the fans were furious. Unholy Pink opened up, laying down heavy metal classics and amping up the crowd. Next, 3 Inches of Blood stepped it up, completely obliterating at least one iPhone mic. The crowd eagerly waited as the crew set up the iconic props and set pieces that meant, GWAR was coming. Finally, as the energy peaked and it seemed that the night couldn’t possibly get any more metal, GWAR took the stage. Within minutes they had decapitated a President and a Secretary of State, showering the audience in blood. When all was said and done, our ears were ringing, our minds were melted and we were all covered from head to toe in a strange mixture of blood and the green slime constantly shooting from the Cuttlefish of Cthulu. Kotaku posted a photo of Tim that perhaps best captures the aftermath of the show.

The next day we hit the floor again, still reeling and in some cases, still stained from the Metal Meltdown. Again showing off Brutal Legend, meeting fans and spreading the love by giving away thousands of Brutal Legend patches and zipper pulls.

On the final day of the show, there was one more surprise, serial number one of the Eddie Riggs sculpt. We gave this bad boy away at the end of the show, but don’t worry, there will be more of these.

A special thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth, came to our show, waited in line for a signed poster from Tim or opened there hand for a patch at San Diego Comic Con 2009.

Also, thanks to taraplatt and Alyssa Tucker on Flickr and VitiLamatia on YouYube for getting great photos and video of GWAR in action.

Interview with Composer Peter McConnell

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recently we spoke with Peter McConnell, the Composer of Brutal Legends epic score, which weaves together a soundtrack of 106 tracks and works overtime to bring the World of Brutal Legend to life.

We wanted to sit down and talk with you today in order to elaborate on the interview we had with Emily Ridgeway, who gave us a great deal of insight into how she selected certain tracks to be a part of the game. Did you follow closely in her footsteps? Was it her that followed you? Or did you each bounce off each other to keep the direction the same.

Who came first is a hard question to answer simply, but I will say that Emily’s influence on the style and direction of the score was tremendous. First off, she kept the aesthetic right on target. She was quite a stickler about making sure that we kept a heavy element in each cue, so you'd be certain you were in a metal game, as opposed to any other game you might be in that had an epic score. Part of this was also how and where she chose to place licensed music. That provided an important framework for the score. She also came up with the idea of doing classic guitar, which I thought was great, as it really brings out the quiet intimate side of the rock and roll sound, and at the same time harkens to a sense of agelessness that Metal taps into. I think those two things stick out to me as huge contributions that Emily made in shaping the score.

So how did you go about keeping these elements in your own score?

There are really three pillars of the sound of the score. One is really obvious; the metal band. The distorted guitars, the heavy drums, that’s obviously extremely important. The second pillar is the orchestra, because what we’re doing with the underscore is we’re trying to create a mood that isn’t necessarily something you can get across as just a rock band. You need that cinematic element to get the full range of emotion in the game. Finally, there is the classical guitar. That is the intimate sound of characters talking, or of Eddie musing to himself, or of Lars speaking of the history of his people. It's not orchestral or Metal per se, but it kind of ties the two together with that sense of something mythic, from long ago. It's a big instrumental voice throughout the game. Another unifying element was the fact that I used classic Metal themes as well as my own in the score.

Can you think of any specific parts of the game where you think this technique was used well?

Yeah, there’s this great campfire scene , when Eddie is having the lore of his new universe explained to him by Lars. It’s a got the classic guitar in the front, then the rock band in the middle, and an orchestra surrounding it. It's a sound that occurs in several big speeches in the game. There is also the grasslands music for when Eddie is wandering around near Bladehenge. It has the classical guitar front and center, but uses all three elements to get across the feeling of being in an ancient world.

Emily described some of the songs that she chose to signify a major change in the atmosphere, or a major moment, and you elaborated on the fact that these orchestral aspects can express the emotions in certain moments. How do you feel the songs that you’re composing can change the way the player feels about Eddie, or how he feels about the changes the game?

The answer to your question basically revolves around “How does the orchestra work in the score?” What the orchestra is there for, is a feeling of bigness that goes beyond the sound of the band. It’s not just what you hear coming out of the speakers at a metal concert, it’s what the players feel and hear in their minds when they’re playing the music -- it’s larger than the actual concert sound. I call it “fantasy metal,” it’s heavy metal based, with that classic sound of 70’s and early 80's metal, but it has this orchestral, cinematic element around it, like an underscore to the score. Emotions have depth, they’re not just “I’m angry, I’m heroic, I’m worried,” there are reasons why you’re angry, heroic, or worried, and there are motivations for that. Being able to bring in cinematic elements allows you to play a theme with rock instruments, and underneath you’ll have a reference to the history behind what’s going on.

Regarding the player's experience, there are really two types of pieces that I wrote: fight music and dramatic music. The fight music is part of game play and basically meant to get you all pumped up and smite your foes. At their core, these pieces are straight-ahead Metal instrumentals, although two of them do have the orchestral component I mentioned earlier. The feeling here is "I'm kicking ass." Then there are the dramatic pieces which follow the moment-to-moment emotions of a cut scene. This is where you hear more orchestral elements and the classical guitar paying homage to the themes of the fight music, and also hinting at what's to come in the story through some central themes of mine. Take the "Sea of Tears" theme, for example. It's a simple 8-note figure that you hear in some form almost every time you meet Ophelia. It starts out very subtle, but as the game progresses, the theme gets more and more obvious as you learn more about her. This is just classic movie underscore stuff, but in a Metal context.

Going back to the way that the game ties into the metal community, how do you feel the metal community will react to your compositions? Are you making it to go along with the rest of the metal? Or did you make it exclusively for the game?

It is meant to be an homage, its’ not meant to be a new kind of metal, and it’s not meant to try to compete with the classic licensed tunes that we’re using in the game. What it’s meant to do is to really refer to them, call attention to them, and honor them in some sense, from a slightly different point of view, because you have this cinematic element going on. Obviously when you’re going into this sort of territory you don’t want to come off as a parody, you don’t want to come off as trying to imitate something. Humor’s good, there’s plenty of humor in the game as well as the music, but what I’m really trying to do here is create this sense of praise. It’s like singing hymns in the Metal church.

For this reason the band elements in the score had to be solid to the core. I got some great help here from Y&T's drummer, Mike Vanderhule, and a huge boost from Bill Storkson, who played a number of the heavier rhythm guitar parts and shredding solos. Bill toured with a lot of these big bands in the early 80's, and has Metal Guitar in his blood. He also did the mixes on all the most epic material, and really did a masterful job of keeping all the elements in balance, with the focus on the Metal core.

So I think the way the Metal community will respond to this music is not, "this music is Metal" but, "this music understands and loves Metal." I want people to say “I hear that melody I know” or “I hear that sound that I know,” or “I just feel righteous now.” And it’s not something people should be too conscious of, it should be something that will make them feel good about the whole universe, and the other music that’s in it.

Is there any part of the game in particular that you really enjoyed composing?

If I had to hold up any part of the score as my favorite it would be the choral piece near the end that accompanies Doviculus' big speech to Eddie. That really put all the music elements together, with choir to boot. A very close second for me, though, is the opening cut scene, which sets up the whole sound of the score. The Ormagodden music in that scene was massively fun to do.

All in all, Brutal Legend is certainly one of my favorite projects ever. What I really liked about it was being able to marry these two elements, the orchestral world and the metal world, and make it work, and I think that’s a tough thing to do. I’m really happy with the way it came off, because I think that there’s always potential in this situation for one element to dilute the other. I think getting it right has to do with not getting too tricky with what you’re doing with the orchestra, but really making it just a nice, powerful, supporting element, and I’m really happy with the way that that came off. And I’m especially happy that we were able to do a really nice recording of the orchestral side at Skywalker, and get really great players to provide that support that the score needed.

Awesome, well I’m glad to hear you have some insight into the metal community, anything you’d like to say to them?

All I can say is that, and at the risk of saying how old I am, I was definitely around for ground zero of metal, and it’s really great to be able to hearken back into that young teenage experience, and put it out there in a way that’s really different. So I do hope that people appreciate that. I have some anecdotal evidence that it’s being well received, so we’ll see how people like it.

Game with the Brütal Legend team October 28th on Xbox Live!

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

This Wednesday, October 28th from 5-9PM PST, play Brütal Legend with the Double Fine Team! Test your mettle against hardened developers or connect to pick up the elusive "Six Degrees of Schafer" Achievement. Whatever your motivation may be, don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to go toe to toe with the men and women behind Brütal Legend.

Double Fine Gamertags:
•    Patrick Hackett – XBL: DFpatrick
•    Joe Virskus – XBL: DFjoe
•    Geoff Soulis – XBL: DFgeoff
•    Kee Chi – XBL: DFkee
•    Tara Teich – XBL: DFtara
•    Steve Peck – XBL: DFsteve
•    Dan McGarry – XBL: DFdan
•    Chad Dawson – XBL: DFchad
•    Erik Robson – XBL: DFerik
•    Anna Kipnis -- XBL: DFanna
•    Brad Muir – XBL: DFbrad

Multiplayer Q and A with Brad Muir

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ever since its announcement, multiplayer has been a big focus when it comes to questions from the community. As such, we decided it would be in the best interest for our readers to host an in-depth Q and A with Double Fine so that we could enlighten you all with a better understanding as to what the multiplayer is all about.

With that we invite you to take a look at the below Q and A we hosted with Brad Muir, a designer on the title, and let us know what your thoughts are. As usual, feel free to give us any questions you have here, in the Facebook group, or even our Twitter channel.

So give us an overview of multiplayer, how does it work?

The multiplayer is what we call a “stage battle,” where there’s two giant rock show stages that are set up at opposite ends of a map. It’s a self-contained fight, one army versus one army, and each player controls what we call an “avatar,” who is a leader of one of the three factions of the game. There are three factions, and each faction has its own unique avatar that you control. The goal is to protect your own stage while trying to destroy the enemy stage.

The way that you do that is by recruiting squads. You collect fans on the map as a resource, and with those fans you’ll be able to recruit more squads. Basically you’re creating an army that is produced out of your stage, then you use simple squad commands to send them around the map. You fight over fan geysers, the resource of the game. Once you control those the fans will flow towards your stage, increasing your resources, allowing you to build a bigger army than your opponent and crush his stage for Brütal Victory.

So once you build up your army, what are you then going to do with them?

Using the orders, you’ll be moving this army across the map with the ultimate goal of getting them in a position where they can attack the enemy’s stage. It takes a lot to take it down, but if you can get it all the way down to zero the enemy stage is destroyed and you win the game. So the ultimate goal is to take down your enemy’s stage, but you also have to be aware of what’s going on at your own stage.

How did you guys balance the factions? Is it like rock paper scissors? Or just an elaborate skin system?

It’s definitely not like a fancy palette swap. We have about ten units per faction, and they’re all unique. Each one has their own specialty. There are different classes of units, like each faction has a basic melee squad that they start with, so they have their equivalents, but where they really differ is with their double teams.

The double teams are one of your main tools on the battlefield. It’s a special ability for each unit that you can activate by running right up to them with your avatar. So even though each faction has a melee unit at the start of the game, they all have different special abilities. We really tried to push the asymmetry, like the games that really inspired us, they all had a high degree of asymmetry in them so that you really have a different experience when you’re playing the 3 factions. Things get really interesting when you see how certain units from one faction stack up against the units of the other factions.

In terms of rock-paper-scissors there are definitely counters in the game. If your opponent is recruiting lots of infantry squads you can create a powerful anti-infantry unit, like a fire-breathing Metal Beast or a rat-spewing Ratgut, and have a big advantage on the battlefield.

How does playing through single player effect your abilities in multiplayer? And vice-versa?

As it turns out; when you put a player into a strategic environment as a brawler-style character, it’s pretty complicated, there’s a lot of stuff they have to figure out. So when we went to make the campaign there was a lot of easing the player into that. We start in a familiar place of just being this third person action adventure game where you’re doing some brawling and then you get a car, then there’s a big boss battle, then there’s an open world. it takes a while before we introduce the squad mechanics, then a bit more before we introduce the recruitment mechanics of having the stage.

I think we did a really good job of taking a new player who’s maybe never played a strategy game on the PC before, who’s very much a console player, and just sort of easing them into this new experience. You’re thinking about your fans as resources and thinking strategically about where you want your army to go, and which units you should be building. I think that it should be so gradual that even players who don’t consider themselves fans of strategy games will have no problem. There’s so much action-oriented gameplay in Brütal, it’s really an action game at its heart.

I would say that learning the stage battle experience, the campaign is important. I’m guessing that there are going to be some really hardcore kids that just jump right in and just start trying to figure it out on their own, but I think that for more casual players going through the campaign is going to be essential.

So how do you feel about the overall multiplayer game play?

I really feel like we’re delivering something that’s unique and different. There’s a high number of units, each one is special. There’s a lot of knowledge and a lot to learn in Brütal Legend, I’m just hoping that because it’s couched in this action framework that it’ll just be fun to mess around and do these things because you’re right down there in the action. I think it will be a game where you can experiment with all the different types of units and have a good time while you’re learning, rather than it feeling like a stuffy experience. It’s pretty complex, but again, if you take a step back and look at the campaign it gradually teaches you these elements, I think you’ll be pretty good at playing stage battles by the time you’re at the end of the campaign.

Is there anything else you’d like to say to the community?

I’m excited for people to get their hands on it! The rest of the team and I are really looking forward to playing against everyone online.

Brutal Legend Gift Exchange Sweepstakes

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

SCROLL DOWN FOR OFFICIAL RULES

Are you concerned that you might have made it on Santa’s naughty list this year? Worried that seven of the eight presents by your Menorah might be duds? Alarmed at the horribly shaped packages labeled “To George, Happy Kwanza?” Well don’t fret too much, there’s still a chance for you to have a BRUTAL holiday season with the Brutal Legend Gift Exchange Sweepstakes.

Turn those holiday frowns upside down by submitting a photo of the worst wrapped gift you’ve received this holiday season along with your name and the subject “Brutal Legend Gift Exchanged Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”)” to eacontest@ea.com between 12/20/09 and 1/15/10 (the “Sweepstakes Period”) and enter a chance to win a $10 coupon off Brutal Legend at the EA Store as well as one of two Brutal Legend metal T-shirts designed by Mishka, or an awesome Eddie Riggs collectable statue! For more details see the rules below. Happy Brutal Holidays and Metal New Year!

Brutal Legend Gift Exchange Sweepstakes

2009 Official Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
1. Entry. To enter the Brutal Legend Gift Exchange Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”), submit your username and a photo of the worst wrapped gift you’ve received over this holiday season to eacontest@ea.com with the subject “Brutal Legend Gift Exchange Sweepstakes” between 12/20/09 and 1/15/10 (the “Sweepstakes Period”). No other methods of entry will be accepted. Limit: Only one entry per username and email address will be accepted. Completed entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. PST on 1/15/10. Entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. Sponsor assumes no responsibility for lost, late, incomplete, incorrect, or misdirected entries. Use of a false email account will disqualify an entry. Sponsor is not responsible for technical, hardware or software malfunctions, misdirected entries, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incorrect, inaccurate, incomplete, lost, late, illegible, misdirected, garbled, damaged or delayed electronic or other communications or other technical problems related to website entries. Sponsor, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person who tampers with the entry process or the operation of the web site, or who otherwise violates these rules. By entering, entrants accept and agree to abide by the terms of these Official Rules and Conditions.

Worst Wrapped Gift Submission Guidelines

Entrants’ submitted Entries be submitted in.jpg, .gif, or .bmp file format following the Entry instructions above, sized no larger than 500kb with a resolution of either 1024*768 or 800*600” and attached within your email Entry. Be sure to include the words, Brutal Legend Gift Exchange Sweepstakes” in the email subject line. No group, or team efforts, or multi-author(ed) designs will be accepted in this Sweepstakes. For purposes of this Sweepstakes all Entries will be presumed authored by the person submitting the Entry. You may not incorporate your own facial likeness, or that of another person, within yourWorst Wrapped Gift Submission. Entries submitted in this Sweepstakes must not contain any pornography, or other illicit content, and must be appropriate for audiences at least 17 years of age, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Submission of previously published art is prohibited. Any Entry that incorporates prohibited content, including but not limited to, third party creations, trademarks, names, or other third party property(ies), or the work of creative consultants, or the entrant’s likeness, or the likenesses of any other real-life individuals, or any content that is pornographic, illicit, or otherwise not appropriate for audiences aged at least 17, or that otherwise in Sponsor's sole and absolute discretion violates the above Guidelines and/or is not in compliance with these Official Rules, will not be accepted for entry and will not be eligible to win any prize in this Sweepstakes.

2. Eligibility. This Sweepstakes is only open to residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, except residents of Florida and New York, who are 18 years of age or older at time Sweepstakes begins and who had Internet access as of 12/10/09. Residents of Florida and New York are not eligible. Employees of Electronic Arts Inc. (“Sponsor and its respective affiliates, subsidiaries, representatives, advertising, promotion and publicity agencies and the immediate families of each are not eligible. Sweepstakes is void where prohibited, restricted or taxed by law. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.

3. Prizes; Winner Selection and Notification. There are 1000 prizes.

287 winners will each receive a prize pack of one (1) collectible Eddie Rigs statue, one (1) Miishka T-Shirt and a $10 discount coupon off the price of Brutal Legend through the EA Store at www.eastore.com. Approximate retail value (“ARV”) of each prize pack is $190.00.
713 winners will each receive a $10 discount coupon off the price of Brutal Legend through the EA Store at www.eastore.com. ARV of each prize is $10.00.
Odds of winning any prize depend upon the number of eligible entries in the Sweepstakes.
Prizes are not transferable. No substitution of Prizes for cash or other goods and services is permitted, except Sponsor reserves the right to provide a substitute Prize of approximately equal value. T-shirt sizes to be awarded as prizes are within the sole discretion of Sponsor and subject to availabilityAll expenses not specified above, including, without limitation, all federal, state and local taxes, and international tariffs, are the sole responsibility of the individual winners.
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Winners may be required to complete and sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and, except where prohibited, Liability/Publicity Release, in the form provided by Sponsor, within 14 days of attempted notification in order to claim Prize. Winners will be notified on or about 1/22/2010by an email sent to the email address specified on the entry form. If winner cannot be contacted at this email address, is contacted and does not respond as directed within 14 days of attempted notification, refuses the Prize or is ineligible to accept the Prize, Prize may be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner. All prizes claimed in accordance with the Official Rules will be awarded. Winners may be required to provide a shipping address to claim prize. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of prize.

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Brütal Legend Wreaks Havoc at E3

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last month Brütal Legend stormed Los Angeles, and in its bloody wake left the gaming press buzzing about the infinite power of Brütal Legend. We wanted to share some of the awards, nominations and coverage that has risen from the internet over the past four weeks.

Awards

G4
Best Multiplatform game

Kotaku
Best Original Game

Gametrailers
Best New IP
Nominee - Best Action Adventure Game

Team Xbox
Best Sound

GamePro
Silver medal - Best of E3

Best of E3 Lists

Yahoo! Games
"Simply guaranteed to rock."

USA Today
"Full of great rock tracks, voice talent (including Ozzy Osborne, Rob Halford and Lita Ford) and comedic action, Brutal Legend looks to be Schafer's best to date."

WSJ
Ten Games for The Next Twelve Months

Hands on Previews

Joystiq
"Really fun action game embellished with cheeky metal lore, eye-popping presentation and dialogue that's right at the intersection of silliness and cutting wit."

Crispy Gamer
"It's fairly evident that Brütal Legend's story will delight. But will the game be fun to play? All signs point to "f***, yeah... The Verdict: Face melted."

Download The Hammer of Infinite Fate PDLC Pack!

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Already slayed the evil Doviculus and saved mankind? Freed your headbanging brethren from the shackles of overproduced glam rock? Looking for more Brutal Legend action to feed your metal addiction? Well good news, just because you’ve won a few battles doesn’t mean that you’ve won the war. Continue the fight against evil bondage loving demons with the brand new “Hammer of Infinite Fate” PDLC. Experience new skins, unlockables, and awesome upgrades like the Oculus of the Lost in the single player experience, and battle your friends online with all new multiplayer maps. Check out the full list of goodies that you can find on XBOX LIVE and the Playstation Network below:

Multiplayer Maps

Altar of Blood
The hallowed temple found on this island was used as a place of retreat by the Zaulia during the Black Tear Rebellion. When facing insurmountable odds in battle, the Zaulia would use the power of this temple to unleash the Blood Vomit of the Beast, which would spill across the battlefield with choking fury, devouring those hit by its torrent. It is rumored that this power can still be unleashed by those strong enough to lead an army.

Coiled Remains
Although the Tainted Coil has long abandoned this excavation site, evidence of their foulness has been left behind. Ancient Titan stonework has been retracted, strapped and secured. A pernicious infestation has taken root here, and the bloody tentacles of a demon plague have ensured that this once sacred Temple remains uninhabited.

Crucible of the Titans
Working tirelessly for centuries, the last of the Titans continue to forge the Brütal Land from this blazing battlefield. Their ancient hammers pound endlessly upon the chrome anvils of time found here. Those foolish enough to be caught under the hammer fall of these giants will have their souls smashed from their bodies.

The Amplified Cliffs
The echoing shriek of the screaming wall cuts through the air of this volcanic land, drowning out the death cries of those who fall in battle. The decaying skeleton of a long-dead beast and piercing fingers of lava frame this battlefield. Victory is hard won on this sharp land, for each army controls a protected source of vital fan energy.

Deuce Upgrades

Oculus of the Lost
Nothing can hide from the Oculus! Legends, Motor Forges, Buried Metal, Bound Serpents, Tab Slabs, Lightning Plug Bugs… all will be revealed to you, giving you the power to uncover all of Brutal Legends powerful secrets.

The Disgorger
Utilize the Tainted Coil's twisted technology to spew deadly blood onto your foes.

Eye of Sorrow
Harness the power of the Sea of Black Tears by launching black projectiles of doom. Enemies coated in the Sea's filth die a horribly awesome death.

Coiling Maw
Salvaged from the Chariot of Doviculus, the Maw deals extreme ramming damage.

Deuce Paintjobs

Motor Freek
Mock Fletus at every turn by aping his paint job. He can take a good look at it when you're outpacing him.

Gliger
Half tiger, all glam. Channel Lionwhyte's inner beast into a fierce new tiger paintjob.

The Wraith
It's always watching you. Always.

Psychomaster
For taking trips deep into the subconscious mind of metal.

3 Eddie Outfits

Mountain Man Threads
Protect your supple cheek flesh from the cold embrace of Death's Clutch with this bearded getup.

Black Metal Threads
Mourn the souls lost to the Sea of Black Tears with this dark ensemble.

Zaulia Threads
Show your gratitude for the women of the jungle with this savage stage makeup.

7 Back Patches

Ironheade Logo
It's with an "E" on the end. Show them you're not messin' around.

Kabbage Boy Logo
Support the hottest tween sensation! Try not to mock them too hard. They're dead.

Crew
You can take the roadie out of the show, but you can't take the show out of the roadie.

Ace of Spades
Gambling's for fools, but do you really want to live forever?

Ormagöden
Please the Eternal Fire Beast by sporting his likeness. He did bring you here, after all. Show a little gratitude.

Iron Cross
A classic Metal icon.

Double Fine Logo
Join the Two Headed Army with Double Fine's sexy logo.

6 Mt Rockmore Heads

Rima
Kage the Kannonier
Tim
Razputin
Dadbat
Hunter

9 New Achievements

Carnivore
Run down 20 animals in the Deuce with the Coiling Maw equipped.

If You Want Blood, You Got It
Kill 20 Tainted Coil units with the Disgorger.

Cry Me a River
Kill 20 Drowning Doom units with the Eye of Sorrow.

Whispering Rock
Chisel four Razputin heads onto Mt. Rockmore.

Beard Beard Action Beard!
Make out with Ophelia while wearing the Mountain Man Threads.

A Face Like a Beast
Kill 15 enemies with a Metal Beast while wearing the Zaulia Threads.

Norwegian Sendoff
Visit the grave of a fallen hero while wearing the Black Metal Threads.

Hammer of Infinite Fate Tourist
Play a multiplayer game on all Hammer of Infinite Fate multiplayer maps.

Hammer of Fate Champion
Win 10 games on Hammer of Infinite Fate maps - ranked or vs. the Brütal AI.

Fans Agree, Brütal Legend Melts Faces!

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Brütal Legend Demo is available today to all Xbox Live Gold subscribers in North America and expanding to Europe, Xbox Silver and PSN Rocktober 1st. If you are an Xbox Live Gold member you can add the demo to your download queue instantly here: http://j.mp/nutshit.

Fans agree that the Demo is awesome and is a mouth watering taste of the Brutality that will ensue Rocktober 13th, when Brütal Legend finally hits the shelves of your local video game retailer.

Check out some of the great comments we've been seeing today from fans below, we will continue to share them with you over the coming week... and again, a huge thanks to all of the fans in the Brütal Legion who support us.

- Brutal Legend has won full points in my book. It's a must get this holiday.

- I just got done playing the Brutal Legend demo and I must say... I'm really excited about this game!!!

- The Brutal Legend demo is great--can't wait for the game next month.

- Just played the demo, it's Freakin' Amazing! Putting up an HD video of the gameplay onto Youtube if it's alright with you.

- I have been rocked to my core by the @brutallegend demo. I can't feel my face, it's been melted off!

- @brutallegend having played the demo i am fully in awe at the brilliant magnitude of awesomeness within this product.

- played brutal legend demo, was cool! and really funny! getting jack black in for it paid off!

- Just played the brutal legend demo. OMG that game is gonna kick so much ass! Rocktober 13th can't come soon enuff

- So, I wasn't sure before, but now I definitely want Brutal Legend.

- brutal legend demo. metal as fuck. i might have to get this game after all.

- LMAO @ Brutal Legend. This game rocks! Can't wait for the release.

- Sold! I just downloaded the demo for Brutal Legend today, looks so awesome.

- Just got done playing the demo for Brutal Legend! It's so sweet!

- Oh snap the Brutal Legend demo is fun. Totally sold on it. Max was way into the giant nun monsters.

- Brutal Legend demo on Xbox Live, it kicks ass.

- The Brutal Legend demo was great! Very humorous and the combat was really fun as well. Lookin' forward to the full game.

- Just played the Brutal Legend demo. I was excited for this game, but now I don't care about any other game this year.

- Brutal Legend demo is amazing. I have never been asked if I wanted fowl language and gore in my videogame quite as cool as that before.

- Brutal Legend has one of the coolest menus I've seen in a while. Great demo too, now even more excited for @brutallegend!!!!!

- Played the Brutal Legend demo... I didn't think I would like this game, but now its definitely on my radar!

- The Brutal Legend demo is nothing less than a cultural watershed... it may be the most important video game yet made.

- wow BRUTAL LEGEND IS AWESOME!

Black Friday Deal Tracker!

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If you're planning on throwing yourself in to the epic shopping battle that is Black Friday, don't come home empty handed. Many retailers are offering unbeatable deals on Brütal Legend this Friday and we'll be tracking them all here!

Whether you're introducing your little brother to the world of Heavy Metal, recruiting buddies to school in stage battles, giving Grandma a reason to rock this holiday or just getting yourself a little present on the side, Brütal legend is the perfect Holiday purchase. Below, find a list of retailers offering deep Black Friday discounts on the most brutal game of the year!

Best Buy:
Brutal Legend (Xbox 360) – $34.99
Brutal Legend (PS3) – $34.99

K-Mart:
Brutal Legend (Xbox 360) – $39.99
Brutal Legend (PS3) – $39.99

Target:
Brutal Legend (Xbox 360) – $44
Brutal Legend (PS3) – $44

Meijer:
Save $20 on Brutal Legend

Sears:
Save $20 on Brutal Legend

Shopko:
Save $20 on Brutal Legend

Nexcom:
Save $10 on Brutal Legend

We'll be adding more great deals as they get announced so check back soon!

It's time to download the demo and help save the world!

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ormagoden, the Cremator of the Sky, the Destroyer of the Ancient world, the Lord of all things Brütal has demanded that 666 Million humans download the face meltingly awesome Demo of Brütal Legend or he will give "everyone" Swine Flu. While this may seem like a good time to panic, sell all your worldly possessions and run to the hills, fear not. Double Fine will be streaming a LIVE video "Dem-o-Thon" in support of the Demo in hopes that they can meet Ormagoden's impossible demands and save your sinuses.

Tune in here Thursday, October 1st at 12pm PST for a LIVE broadcast from Double Fine Productions in San Francisco featuring interviews and antics with the Double Fine team. We'll also be taking questions live from fans at www.twitter.com/brutallegend and www.facebook.com/brutallegend, giving away awesome Brütal prizes, broadcasting a message from Tim's Swine Flu proofed bunker, conducting a special spoilers interview, giving Live Axe Lessons, and much more.

Also, don't forget, the Demo goes Live October 1st for everyone on Xbox Live and PSN. You can find out what fans are saying about the demo and even add the Demo to your Xbox Live download queue instantly here if you have and Xbox Live account. Download and play this mind destroyingly epic demo and help Double Fine productions stave off the wrath of Ormagoden.

Read the Latest Reviews of Brütal Legend

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Reviews are in for Brütal Legend. We've collected many of the latest reviews below, find key quoes and links to the full articles! But hey, Brutal Legend is in stores now! Why are you even on the internet? Go play it for yourself!

Gaming Nexus
Even with its non-stop references to heavy metal and specialized soundtrack, Brutal Legend comes off feeling like one of Tim Schafer's most accessible game. The real-time strategy aspects are carefully explained and never feel too daunting for the average console gamer. What's more, the game's humor and over-the-top story will make you want to see the game through to the end.

Read Full Review >

Play Magazine
There's never been anything like it and there may never be again. Brütal Legend is truly a gift to metal and game fans alike and my new, best 3D game ever.

Read Full Review >

IGN AU
Charming and clever in equal portions, Brütal Legend is a classic example of cohesive game design...In an age of ever-increasing monotony and creative stagnation, a game like Brütal Legend is brash, proud, subversive and triumphant - and it deserves to succeed. Get on board, crank it up and make it so. Two horns up.

Read Full Review >

MEGamers
There are very, very few games which truly make me sit back and go “wow”. Among the slew of games that I’ve reviewed this year, there are only a couple that I really enjoyed playing, and continue to do so. Brutal Legend is one such game – even though I aced my Public Speaking and English Literature classes, words only slur together when I try to describe this game. Truth be told, I only heard about the game in the last month or so, but after spending a good amount of time with it, I was transformed from a mere gamer into a rocking, die-hard fan.

Read Full Review >

TeamXbox
It’s a unique experience, in both single and multiplayer, and Double Fine nails the concept perfectly, making it challenging for experienced gamers, yet not overwhelming for the newbies who just came here for the metal.

Read Full Review >

Game Chronicles
An amazing game, and if you love heavy metal, Jack Black, Tim Schafer or any combination of these elements then this is a must-own adventure game infused with a thoughtful balance of action, combat, and real-time strategy. The story is epic, the landscapes are magical, and the humor is consistently present throughout the entire game from start to finish. This is heavy metal heaven!

Read Full Review >

Gameplanet
A powerful storyline with a great open world environment that truly is exciting, exhilarating and, well, pretty musical really. You will be awed as you tear through the landscape in your hotrod, throwing flames into the night as you listen to heavy metal over the Deuce's tape deck.

Read Full Review >

GameSpy
Despite all the references to this beloved material, I also felt satisfied as a gamer, challenged by its unique blend of exploration, action and strategy. While I was prepared for a thoroughly entertaining storyline, and was delivered one, I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun it was to wage war in and explore this lovingly-crafted world.

Read Full Review >

ZTGameDomain
The side missions may be repetitive, but the story is interesting, the characters are great, and the atmosphere is encompassing. Brütal Legend is definitely one of the better games I have played this year, and I look forward to seeing what the guys at Double Fine come up with next.

Read Full Review >

GamePro
A fun game with some very noticeable flaws and some less-than-stellar presentation, but in the end it's a memorable adventure I'd certainly recommend to any aspiring roadie. It comes pre-packaged with its fair share of issues, quirks and bugs, but all of the near-misses in the world can't take the fun out of this inspired adventure.

Read Full Review >

Games Radar
Brutal Legend won us over with its complete package: the aspects that are decidedly outside “gaminess” are its strongest and most lovable. The dialogue made us laugh, and not just a little. We cared about the characters enough to feel sad to say goodbye to them. We never got bored of exploring its world and continued to do so after completing the main story.

Read Full Review >

GamingTrend
The title is chock full of little details that make it a must-have. While it is a bit on the short side, there are plenty of collectibles to keep you busy after you complete the game, and the entire ride is entertaining from start to finish. In a sea of holiday sameness, how many games can make that claim?

Read Full Review >

IGN
Brutal Legend is a tour de force that wraps up humor, music, and clever gameplay into one highly polished package. You haven't played a game quite like this before and won't want to miss it.

Read Full Review >

ActionTrip
It's a labor of love and it's fun. The variety of missions and humor mix well and should be enough to hook anyone.

Read Full Review >

GameZone
Even with some shaky controls Brutal Legend is still a fun, humorous and entertaining game. Don’t disappoint the metal gods by missing it or tossing it aside only after a couple of hours. Like any good metal album it might take a couple of listens (plays) to really sink it.

Read Full Review >

Armchair Empire
The worst part of Brütal Legend is that the single-player portion of the game feels like training wheels for the multiplayer part. Granted the training wheels of Death have 7 chrome exhaust pipes, are covered in blood, and hum Def Leppard's "Rock of Ages" while smashing through a landscape of battered rock album ruins and occasionally spewing flames, but training wheels nonetheless.

Read Full Review >

GameSpot
This amazing tribute to metal delivers a hugely entertaining gaming experience despite missing a few chords.

Read Full Review >

SpazioGames
Tim Shafer is back (in Black!) with an original action-adventure game that finds its strength in an awesome art direction and an innovative gameplay that mixes pure action into real time strategy. The result is a funny rollercoaster ride between over the top characters and beautiful environments. On the other hand, controls are sometimes frustrating, A.I. is disappointing, and the overall lasting appeal of the game suffers from a short single player campaign. Nonetheless, if you're looking for an old-style funny adventure, a post-modern fairytale, or the work of artists of the art direction, this is the game to buy this fall.

Read Full Review >

GameTrailers
Brutal Legend is ambitious, entertaining, and was obviously wrought with enthusiasm and feeling. The game also wants to be experienced, letting you adjust the difficulty on the fly if you hit a snag and want to keep rocking anyway.

Read Full Review >

Official Brütal Legend Soundtrack Announced

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If you've been following Brütal Legend, chances are you're a fan of metal music. And even if you aren't, you've still got to be curious as to what the entire soundtrack will look like. Well forget scouring the internet for clues, we've got the official soundtrack listed right here.

Be warned, however, as the list is so long Tim Schafer boasts being able to solve a Rubik's Cube before the Music Director Emily Ridgeway can announce the soundtrack verbally. Don't believe him? Check out the video here, and be sure to take a look at the entire soundtrack listed below.

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

Tim Schafer's Live E3 Twitter Chat Transcript

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last Tuesday in the midst of E3 madness, Tim Schafer spent an hour, deep in the bowels of the Los Angeles Convention Center answering a whole heap of questions from our community on Twitter. We’ve put the transcript below. Watch as Tim answers questions hard, easy and silly. We had a great time doing this, thanks again to all the Ironheades out there on Twitter!

Q: Tim What type of game is Brütal Legend? I watched the Vids & I know whatever the hell you guys do will be awesome but what kind of game is it?
Tim Schafer: It’s an action game full of action with a side quest that’s all about action.

Q: Will the soundtrack be generic metal or will there be licensed music in there?
Tim Schafer: Nothing Generic! We have a great soundtrack made up of the best metal songs I know. As well as original pieces by Peter McConnell.

Q: For Psychonauts you created friendster pages for the kids in the camp. How did you approach character design for Brütal Legend?
Tim Schafer: I was reading Norse mythology when writing the backstory for Brutal. I wrote it in the form of a creation myth for the world. Norse mythology is awesome and you should all read it, by the way.

Q: Will Brütal Legend be more heavily marketed than Psychonauts or about the same?
Tim Schafer: Have you seen the E3 banner? It’s bigger than Rhode Island.

Q: Hey Tim! As someone who dreams of working in the Schaferverse (doing art/animation/etc.) what is the number one quality you look for?
Tim Schafer: We really value talent and originality and people who are fun to work with. Also, you need to be really good at Scrabble.

Q: How long will the game be, and can we expect any DLC in the future.
Tim Schafer: It’s an open world game so it could be 12 hours or it could be 25! DLC would be cool, but we can't say more right now. We have some great ideas though!

Q: How will your feel if Brütal Legend is panned for its gameplay even if all the other creative elements are outstanding?
Tim Schafer: I would feel like that person hadn’t played the game, because the gameplay is awesome!

Q: I hope you guys make the deadline! With all those gameplay elements, aren't you afraid that some will feel gimmicky or worse: tedious?
Tim Schafer: No way! Heavy Metal is our inspiration, not a gimmick. It gives us endless ideas for images, story and gameplay scenarios.

Q: Is there an inspiration from “heavy-metal adventure” Full Throttle in Brütal Legend? Is it sort of a “spiritual successor?”
Tim Schafer: There are some similarities. Cool cars, action and a tough guy hero. But Jack Black brings a new level of comedy to it.

Q: What other artists/bands will be making cameos in Brütal Legend? Is it too late to hope for Geddy Lee as a arcane wizard?
Tim Schafer: It’s never to late for Geddy Lee!!! Wait, no, actually, it is too late for Geddy. Sorry Geddy! Maybe next game!

Q: When did Jack Black get attached to the project? Was he a fan of Psychonauts by any chance?
Tim Schafer: He is! That’s what gave us the nerve to ask him to be in the game—we heard he liked Psychonauts. He played all the way through, and even got through Meat Circus without a walkthrough.

Q: Is Eddie’s shirt and the flag text behind a clue of some sort from the recent story trailer?
Tim Schafer: Yes. Don’t try to figure it out though, or you might uncover a demonic conspiracy and get in over your head.

Q: Can I be your roadie Mr. Schafer? until I'm awesome enough to make my own games that is.
Tim Schafer: You know, I’ve been thinking about getting a roadie. But first I have to find a bus for you to drive and some amps to carry

Q: Did Jack Black get into a motion capture suit?
Tim Schafer: http://www.gametrailers.com/video/jack-black-spike-tv/43457

Q: What is your dream project that isn't Brütal Legend?
Tim Schafer: Brütal Legend 2

Q: What does your mind look like? I can't look into it from here.
Tim Schafer: I tried to look at it just now and it kind of hurt my eyes to look back that far. I think you broke my eyes. Luckily, I am a touch-twitterer.

Q: May I have some of your beard? (I hear it will give me DESIGN POWERS)
Tim Schafer: Yes, you are welcome to take the gray parts, you can’t have the parts with food in them. I’m saving those for later.

Q: Are there any senior DF staffers on Brütal Legend from way back around the MM/Day Of The Tentacle era? Dave Grossman?
Tim Schafer: We have some of the original Grim Fandango animators—Mark Hamer and Chris Schultz still making awesome animation for us after all these years. I’m making it sound like they are 100 years old.

Q: Finland is called the promised land of Heavy Metal. Will we be hearing any Finnish tunes on the extensive soundtrack?
Tim Schafer: As a Norwegian, I take issue with the premise of your question. Norway is the black heart of metal!

Q: How many bands, or genres of music will be in Brütal Legend?
Tim Schafer: Many, many bands. And we are trying to represent pretty much ALL of metal’s many subgenres. Classic metal, black metal, industrial metal, power metal—all have their place in the story.

Q: Brütal Legends is coming for PC also, right? Is it at the same time as the console version?
Tim Schafer: We are coming out on PS3 and XBOX 360. If you don’t have one of those machines, you have until Rocktober 13 to get one!

Q: What is your favorite part of the game and how much do you love giraffes?
Tim Schafer: Wait a second… are you… are you a giraffe? I think you are trying to trick me into endorsing giraffes, but you know that is something that I can never do.
Also, my favorite part of the game is just exploring the open world that we created. It’s full of little heavy metal nooks and crannies.

Q: Does "action-adventure" adequately describe Brütal Legend? In terms of gameplay rather than ROCK, how would you describe it?
Tim Schafer: It’s definitely an action game, but there is an epic story and humor woven into all that action.

Q: Were the metal artists you got for voices and music excited about the idea of the game?
Tim Schafer: They all seemed to have a lot of fun working on it. I think what they liked about the game was that they could tell it really treated metal with love and respect.

Q: What was the development process like for this game? Was Jack Black involved? How many people contributed to the story?
Tim Schafer: I write the script, but the other designers contribute elements to the story through their gameplay ideas. Everyone on the team ads a little something to it. Including Jack!

Q: How many classes of characters are available for each "faction"? So far I have heard of three.
Tim Schafer: We have Ironheade, which is the army that Eddie Riggs puts together. And the Drowning Doom, which is a more doom/death metal oriented group. And we have General Lionwhyte’s Hair Metal Militia. Plus we have the demon army known as the Tainted Coil.

Q: Will there be and when can we expect a demo? I want to play this pure godliness!
Tim Schafer: Yes! No! Maybe! I don’t know. Someday? Watch www.brutallegend.com and you’ll probably know before I do!

Q: What's your favorite metal song and why?
Tim Schafer: I can’t pick a favorite! That would be like picking a favorite flower in a garden of beautiful flowers. Wait, no. It’s like something much tougher sounding than that.

Q: How will character advancement work? Will we gain levels and unlock new abilities as we advance through the game?
Tim Schafer: As you play the game you earn new combat moves, upgrades for your axe and guitar, and weapons for your deuce, plus you unlock new songs you can listen to while driving.

Q: BRÜTAL LEGEND MAKE ALL FEELINGS OF INADEQUACY DISAPPEAR FROM MY PERSON IN A FLURRY OF HEAVY METAL REFERENCES.
Tim Schafer: You’re made of metal, your circuits gleam, you are perpetual, you keep the country clean.

Q: Why don’t add a multiplayer to Brütal Legend... and make friends play the campaign??? It’s cool with me if you ask…
Tim Schafer: We do have multiplayer, and it’s awesome. I can’t make your friends play with you though.

Q: Can anything kill the Metal?
Tim Schafer: No, the metal will never die.

Q: Is this game going to make me turn from a casual metal fan into a problematic metal fan?
Tim Schafer: If you are casually into metal when you start Brütal Legend, you will be a raving metal nerd by the time you are done. Your brain will explode with all the metal you take in.

Q: The game is not going to have multiple endings, is it?
Tim Schafer: No, just one ending: you being the happiest game player of all time.

Q: Why did you decide to pick Jack Black to be the lead?
Tim Schafer: Jack is a great actor and a true fan of Metal and games. The work he did in School of Rock and Tenacious D were a big inspiration for Eddie Riggs.

Q: What do you say to people who think Jack Black is your younger brother?
Tim Schafer: That is a big secret. Our mother separated us at birth so that Darth Vader wouldn’t find us.

Q: How much focus have you put towards the multiplayer aspect of the game? What details can you discuss so far (modes players etc)?
Tim Schafer: We have been working on our multiplayer game even longer than our single player game. We’ll be releasing more details about it in the coming months.

Q: Who in the Brütal Legend team holds the record number of cock pushups?
Tim Schafer: Jack.

Q: Are there lots of cool easter eggs and references to older games?
Tim Schafer: Here and there—it’s a hard to keep those from sneaking their way into the game.

Q: This latest idea of yours... Riding up to a shareholder's meeting with a gang of bikers? Who do you think you're fooling?
Tim Schafer: The shareholders, sir. It’s good PR to be seen hobnobbing with real Corley Motors customers.

Q: What sort of cool moves does Eddie Riggs learn?
Tim Schafer: I think my favorite is the Rock Slide. Eddie can run and slide for a distance on his knees, creating a wave of rock energy that knocks his unsuspecting foes to the ground.

Q: Give me 7 reasons for why I should play Brütal Legend. Also, will there be demo? #e3bl
Tim Schafer: Jack. Ozzy. Rob. Lemmy. Lita. Decapitaion. Making-out. Maybe.

Q: Are any of the guitar solos used with Clementine from any specific song or are they of your own design?
Tim Schafer: We created original solos with some exciting name talent from the world of metal.

Q: Will this include like a full playable version of Full Throttle hidden somewhere in the game, as I’ve lost my copy of that, and miss it?
Tim Schafer: That would be cool, wouldn’t it? But no. Still, if there’s anything else you’ve lost, like your car keys, I could try to squeeze that in.

Q: How many vehicles will be available for use in Brütal Legend?
Tim Schafer: Many awesome hotrods and choppers are at your disposal There’s the deuce, the Headsplitter, the Rock Crusher, the Fire Baron chopper… I think I’m out of characters.

Q: Hey, Tim. How did you get the dialogue speed perfect in Day of the Tentacle?
Tim Schafer: We peeped through your window and watched your lips move!

Q: What kind of rating for the game are you aiming for? T? M? E? Kids to Adults?!
Tim Schafer: Well, I’m not taking out the decapitation, so I’m thinking M. But you never know.

Q: Do you have any regrets about Psychonauts?
Tim Schafer: I regret nothing!

Q: Is there any character that is based on the awesomeness that is Tim Schafer?
Tim Schafer: They all are!

Q: How much of Eddie Riggs is based on Jack Black?
Tim Schafer: About half. The other half is Glen Danzig. Mostly the hair-and-muscles half.

Q: Any inclination at all to do a sequel or do you want to do something entirely different next time out?
Tim Schafer: I want to do both! Brutal is a fun world that we could do a lot more with, for sure.

Q: Will there be other celebrity voice actors, other than the ones in the trailer?
Tim Schafer: Yes!

Q: What was your first rock concert experience?
Tim Schafer: I saw Robert Plant around 1982. Closest thing I could get to Led Zeppelin.

Q: How has the change of publishers from SierraGames to EA worked out for Brütal Legend were you ever worried?
Tim Schafer: It has been great. EA has been extremely supportive of the game and really shares our vision for what it needs to be, which is awesome.

Q: Tim, what is your personal favorite out of all the games you have made?
Tim Schafer: I like them all for different reasons. Is that a boring answer? Well, hey, twitter is free.

Q: Where are Tim's Answers? I can't find them anywhere.
Tim Schafer: I Just answered them all! Pay attention! Thanks to everyone who asked questions tonight! it's been a real pleasure!