Look, I like Jack Black. I’m a big fan of his band, Tenacious D, and I think he’s reasonably funny in general. Unfortunately, most of the “Brutal Thoughts” videos that he’s done (see parts two, three, and four) have been, to be frank, terribly unfunny. And I worry that Jack Black overexposure may turn some people off from Brütal Legend, which looks like a kick-ass game.
But the latest entry in the “Brutal Thoughts” series actually got a chuckle or two out of me. It focuses on famous YouTube viral videos, with Black presenting his own effort: Jellybean, the World’s First Guitar-Playing Cat. But Jellybean needs a little stimulus to get going -- Black’s fingering motions don’t get the job done for her -- so he plays some gameplay footage, and that’s all Jellybean requires to start shredding.
If the footage got you going, too, you might want to check out Nick’s preview and my E3 write-up on Brütal Legend to read up on the game. It’ll be out in less than three months -- Rocktober 13th is the day of reckoning. I sure hope that Double Fine’s countersuit wins out over Activision’s original lawsuit, so that the game isn’t delayed. And in case you can’t get enough of Eddie Riggs, hit up the two longer gameplayvideos with commentary from Tim Schafer himself!
Samit Sarkar is a founding Destructoid editor and go-to Sports guy. Samit was the son of the Duke of Knees, rescued from a burning village in the afghan desert by a golden condor. He is an ace Backgammon player and lost both legs in a whaling tour. He lives for free in a nursery in Scotland where he teaches monks how to capture butterflies without hurting them.
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Before I saw actual gameplay these videos made me not want anything to do with the game. Shows how awesome the gameplay videos are, especially the commentary with Schafer.
I don't know if this was actually a reference or not, but "Okay, she needs a little inspiration" was totally a line of The Lonely Island's (and his) "Sax Man".
Jack Black is a fool, if it wasn't for his involvement I'd be interested in the game.
I find it exceptionally difficult to get hyped over anything he does or is involved in and Brutal legend is no exception, which is a shame given Double Fine's track record of excellence.
Jack Black is a decent actor and a competent comedian, but he really is taking too much limelight here.
Look Double Fine, I know it's nice to make a game that everyone seems to be vibing, and to include big name actors, but over using your celebrities is a good way to alienate your fans rather than gain them through a few trailers to show what a damn fine creation you've actually developed.
Other than that, I want my Brutal Legend in October, don't me down now!
At the very least we get a glimpse at some new game footage, but overall yeah these have been pretty craptacular. I have to admit I laughed when Jack says "you evolution of dance piece of shit!".
Nothing about this looks interesting to me. Jack Black, or the game itself. I really just hope that come review time, people don't just give Brutal Legend a free pass because it might be kind of funny and everybody loves Tim Schafer all of a sudden.
Well well well. If that isn't the most inaccurate statement of the decade. That decade-plus in which Schafer has been making classic games. The man knows what it's like to have a fiscal bomb/critical success, so lets give Timmy the free pass on overhype.
I agree that these videos are about 10% of Jack Black's usual antics, but I have a feeling EA had something to do with the toning down. You don't want him flippin out, droppin fbombs, sporting a leather jacket and thong, whaling on a guitar that looks like a spread eagle, and blowing people's heads up... all for the CHILDREN TO SEE!?!? Well... none of us give a shit, but news outlets (especially the TV ones) love to eat that stuff up. Anyway, I think EA is just playing it safe... and Jack Black doesn't do well with "safe".
Jack Black's personality should work well with Tim's over-the-top writing. Psychonauts tried to hard to be absurd that it ended up being pretty funny. I think that Brutal Legend will work the same way.
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Contest:
5:45 PM on 07.23.2009
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I find it exceptionally difficult to get hyped over anything he does or is involved in and Brutal legend is no exception, which is a shame given Double Fine's track record of excellence.
Anyway, Brutal Legend is going to be amazing. ROCKTOBER!
It sounded like an insinuation that Jables can't finger a pussy...he can strum a va-jayjay like a harp.
I reserve final judgment until I play it, but until then I am skeptical and critical of it.
now.
Look Double Fine, I know it's nice to make a game that everyone seems to be vibing, and to include big name actors, but over using your celebrities is a good way to alienate your fans rather than gain them through a few trailers to show what a damn fine creation you've actually developed.
Other than that, I want my Brutal Legend in October, don't me down now!
"everybody loves Tim Schafer ALL OF A SUDDEN"
Well well well. If that isn't the most inaccurate statement of the decade. That decade-plus in which Schafer has been making classic games. The man knows what it's like to have a fiscal bomb/critical success, so lets give Timmy the free pass on overhype.
I have to say, the unofficial promotional stuff (the internet) has gotten me really excited about this game.
But all of the official stuff is doing the exact opposite.
That said, WANT TO BUY THAT CAT.
and these videos really are brutal. :(