Level 2 is an "interactive concept album" from Last Chance to Reason. The music-alone release by same name dropped two weeks ago along with the demo you can see being played above. The album is described in the press release as follows:
Set in a Tron-like virtual world, the album’s concept revolves around the relationship between man and technology, our move from physical reality to virtual spaces and what these changes mean to our lives and our art.
That's great, if you're into that sort of thing. If you're into having an audiovisual experience that manages to make you feel empowered despite there being no consequence for your involvement in it, Level 2 is quite competent at that too.
I've played the demo twice now and the level design and art direction mesh wonderfully with the metal soundtrack. Basically, you shoot anything you think you can destroy in a forced scrolling while the enemies and environment change and accompany the background music. Death is inconsequential, a quick explosion and then back to killing, so you're free to just let the whole thing wash over you without any pressure unless you decide that you want to complete it with a high score and no deaths.
The full release will likely feature twelve stages, corresponding with the number of tracks on the album, though the development blog does at one point make reference to the idea of some areas of track looping that might add some other content.
No word yet on a release date for the final game, which the designer says has been in the works for three years. The development blog is a rather interesting read, particularly after you have had a chance to play the demo a bit. Updated seemingly in spurts over the last year, it suggests possible directions the game could have gone and ideas for what else could be in store for the final game. Go check it out.
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I love the concept, no doubt about that. But I don't see metal as fitting as other forms of music. Still, there are some cool things in there. When enemies approach in sync to the riff, or enemies who sing with the lead. Still, music is not weaved together like it should or could. Bit harsh, I still see music games in the early development. But it's a step in the right direction and it only gets better.
Looks really cool, and the backing music is good, but I can't get past those vocals. Its just too smooth for the song, and its kind of effeminate. But hey, I'm listening to an openly gay man singing about leather clad heroes, so take that for what its worth.
I wasn't convinced by the video but on playing the demo I really got into it. I'd recommend the demo to anyone who can appreciate a good bit of metal, the game compliments it brilliantly.
I like it, though the fact that the death metal pretty much screams "SKULLS AND GIANT ROBOTS MADE OF HUMAN HANDS AND ENDLESS SEAS OF HUMAN BODIES AND SINGING DEATH GODS AND STUFF" seems a bit much, like we've all been there before.
I love shmups although Im not really much of a death metal lover and I played this a few days ago and enjoyed it, although not so much as a game in its own right but more as an experience to be enjoyed which considering its an concept music albumn works really well.
Im quite suprised more professional musical artists dont synch their music to a fitting video game as it really enhances the experience and makes great press.
The only other tie I know of is a doujin c79 music albumn by Conagusuri that has a touhou megaman clone game by Peposoft as part of the albumn.
I actually saw these guy live a couple months ago opening for Atheist. I remember they mentioned something about a videogame concept album, but I had no idea what they were talking about. Anyways, there a very talented band so this should be cool.
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Contest:
4:00 AM on 04.28.2011 | 
Love the pixelart.
I'm excited to see more of this.
Im quite suprised more professional musical artists dont synch their music to a fitting video game as it really enhances the experience and makes great press.
The only other tie I know of is a doujin c79 music albumn by Conagusuri that has a touhou megaman clone game by Peposoft as part of the albumn.
not sure what i think of the band, they sound like dream theatre with a death metal singer. i don't dislike it...