10 Painfully Overlooked Video Games From Iconic Studios

9. Brütal Legend (2008) - Double Fine

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Double Fine

Tim Schafer is video game royalty whose mind has helped spawn adored cult gems like Grim Fandango, Full Throttle, Day Of The Tentacle, and Psychonauts, the latter of which was developed by Schafer’s own studio Double Fine.

Alongside the colourful platformer and its recent sequel, Double Fine have produced the likes of Costume Quest, The Cave, and some remasters of Schafer’s earlier works. Given the consistently high calibre of this studio’s work, it’s disappointing that Brütal Legend isn’t given the praise it deserves.

Starring the voice talents of Jack Black as guitar roadie Eddie Riggs, the plot sees players transported into a heavy metal-inspired world that’s overrun with demons. Complete with a face-shredding soundtrack, Schafer’s signature sense of humour and fast-paced hack and slash combat, this game was an absolute blast.

Despite having a huge marketing campaign, the title struggled to sell well. It didn't help that Brutal Legend's demo concealed the fact that it was partly a real-time strategy game from perspective buyers, either.

While Brütal Legend continues to be overlooked by wider audiences, it’s quirky charms and array of fun ideas has garnered it a much-deserved cult following in the years since.

Contributor
Contributor

Glasgow-based cinephile who earned a Master's degree in film studies to spend their time writing about cinema, video games, and horror.