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On September 29th, EA held a press conference at the Key Club in Hollywood for their upcoming heavy metal-themed action/adventure video game, Brütal Legend. On hand at the press conference to present the game and answer press questions was Brütal Legend head honcho Tim Shafer, and actor/comedian Jack Black. The game’s main character, Eddie Riggs, is partially modeled and based on Jack Black.

Jack Black did not disappoint as he came out in character the whole time as Eddie Riggs, complete with gigantic rubber arms and wig. He cracked up the journalists in attendance with his random comments, a set of push ups, and thoughts on metal and Brütal Legend. While Black may have been in character, it was apparent that he couldn’t help but share his love of metal and video games. He recalled that his first favorite metal bands were SABBATH, MAIDEN, and PRIEST. He also recounting all of the game systems he owed, starting with Atari and Intellivision.

Brütal Legend features the most extensive heavy metal compilation one can find virtually anywhere. Save for a few questionable inclusions (i.e. 3 INCHES OF BLOOD), the compilation basically gets it right. The game features classics starting out from SABBATH and PRIEST to the NWOBHM, thrash metal, hard rock, black metal, and doom metal. Shafer revealed that obtaining the rights to feature the over 100 songs for the game’s soundtrack was a process that took over two years. He also stated how the aim was not to features songs from legendary bands that have been featured elsewhere ad nauseum. Thus, SABBATH’s “Symptom of the Universe” and “Never Say Die” are included.

Brütal Legend is set for an October 13th release and undoubtedly the most unambashed and unapologetic heavy metal game ever made. What remains to be seen is if non-metal fans gamers will also bow at the altar.