Brutal Legends is definitely a highly anticipated game. While the single player is what it's known for mainly, people aren't too aware of how deep and fleshed out its multiplayer component is. IGN recently had the chance to test out the RTS-style multiplayer. Read on to find out everything you need to know about it.

The general reaction from people when I told them I was going to a Brutal Legend multiplayer event was, "There's multiplayer in that game?" In fact, that was the reaction from some people as they arrived at EA's three-hour play session. Yes, there is online multiplayer in Double Fine's upcoming game. In fact, Brutal Legend's multiplayer component has been in development for longer than the single-player campaign.

The multiplayer element is unexpected, not just in its very existence, but in its execution. It's a simplified real-time strategy game (though EA would like everyone to call it "action strategy") complete with base defense, resource management and troop building. Everything has been tuned to work perfectly with a controller and the various troops have more personality than you've likely ever seen in an RTS. I was a little doubtful heading in, but I quickly became convinced that this would work. It's simple, by the standards of full-on RTS games, but it's also fun. The troops really make this a special experience.

Though up to eight players can get in on a match, there are only ever two teams in Brutal Legend multiplayer. Each of the seven maps feature two stages (AKA bases), with one per team. The goal is to destroy the other team's stage. Doing so won't be easy.

From the very start, you'll notice this is quite a different take on a strategy match. You don't play as a cursor. Instead, you're an avatar, head of whichever faction you've chosen. You have full control of your avatar that can perform most of the actions Eddie Riggs manages in the single-player campaign. That means all of the melee attacks, summoning your vehicle, playing guitar riffs for special attacks or rallying your troops. You could technically ignore troop building and just run around as your avatar attacking your enemy. That would be pretty boring though, and you'd get your ass kicked. If you play with more than two people, the others join the team with their own avatars, but they share all resources. Communication is key and teammates will need to figure out their roles quickly to maximize your resources.

McClubbin via ps3.ign.com »