Sense before starting:  I was fairly excited about this game, especially after watching some of the gameplay videos.

Owned/borrowed/rented: Bought it release day.

 Play again? I've played a few times, progressing a little bit each time.

 Thoughts

 As an individual who enjoys metal music, I was quite looking forward to a game in which a metal fantasy world was the setting.  It seemed intriguing, edgy and offered something different to gamers.  I didn't have any solid expectations as to the gameplay, though the videos I had seen looked interested.  There's something about combining a guitar and an axe for combat that just screams "awesome!"

The moment I encountered the "rts" elements of the game, however, I was a little disappointed.  As these elements persisted and continued to show up throughout the story as I progressed, I became a little irritated.

I understand that Tim Schafer wanted this to be an RTS, but that devolved throughout game development.  What remains in the game stinks of afterthought and strikes me as a feature they just couldn't cut out and were forced to include.  I'm still, however, enjoying this game.

It's funny, entertaining and offers a good soundtrack.  Then again, the soundtrack's quality is far more subjective than is usually the case with games.  I like that.  Audio is often forgotten in games, especially with all of the emphasis placed on visual aesthetics.  If the music in Brutal Legend irritates you and you turn off the music: shame on you.  Expose yourself to something different and expand your musical appreciation.  Metal is an acquired taste, but Brutal Legend offers a great sampling.

As for the gameplay, if it weren't for the story and the setting, I might be tempted to quit the game.  As I mentioned, the RTS aspect of combat feels forced.  Otherwise, I find the UI lacking and I don't feel the game offers enough feedback.  A racing heartbeat and slight change in screen color are your only indications of nearing death.  Discovering some of the monsters' weaknesses is not an exercise in cleverness, but rather an  exhaustion of options. 

I recommend this game for those who enjoy games that offer a good sense of humor and a new setting (think Psychonauts).  I am tempted to say you will not enjoy this if story bores you and you're only interested in action.  You will be left wanting.