Seize the moment, heavy metal fans! For a brief window, the action-adventure game, Brütal Legend, is free to snatch up. Originally developed by Double Fine and launched on console in 2009, it was eventually adapted for PC in 2013. But be quick, free access to this game is already ticking away.
Following the unfortunate demise of Black Sabbath’s iconic frontman, Ozzy Osbourne, earlier this week, Double Fine thought it apt to remember him by offering the game free of cost. With Osbourne’s unforgettable dialogues with Jack Black’s roadie character playing a key role in the narrative, the game’s connection to the late metal legend cannot be understated. However, with the offer kicking off in the early hours UK time, it’s not expected to last for long.
Brütal Legend became free to claim in the early hours of July 24 (UK time), with the promotion running for an almost satanic 666 minutes. This narrows down to roughly 11 hours, which at the time of writing, leaves approximately an hour and a half to stake your claim for the game without parting with any money.
Unless, of course, you wish to tip or donate to the creators upon checkout as it’s an option provided by the PC storefront, Itch. Also, the versions on offer are for Windows and Ubuntu, along with both 64 and 32 bit Mac editions.
In Brütal Legend, Osbourne famously portrays The Guardian of Metal, an ageless keeper of secrets who also trades weapon upgrades with you. Metal music stars like Lemmy, Rob Halford, and Lita Ford also make appearances in this game, which sees Jack Black’s character Eddie Riggs battling through action slashing and real-time strategy scenarios.
Many find it noteworthy that the game refrains from sticking to a single genre, much akin to bands often experimenting with various styles. Indeed, Brütal Legend isn’t perfect. Its unanchored ideas could arguably be obnoxious were it not for Double Fine’s execution. The game’s wit, charm, and impressive character design make up for any potential pitfalls.
In these final moments of the free offer, let’s grab that virtual metal and shred in the spirit of Birmingham’s zaniest train conductor.
Brütal Legend looks wonderful, and it feels wonderful, but it isn’t quite wonderful, not really. It’s ideas without an anchor and, I am quite sure, were any developer other than Double Fine attempting to stitch these floating fancies together this game would frequently be intolerable. Fortunately it is Double Fine, and the game’s wit, charm and huge personality, both in writing and in visual style, do turn out to be capable bindings for the loose collective of brainstorming within.
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