Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution: Video Game’s Greatest Rock Hits

In memoriam of Malcolm Young, the co-founder of the epic rock band AC/DC. I present to those about to rock, the greatest hits of rock themed video games.

Brutal Legend (PS3)

Brutal Legend is the ultimate headbangers game if you earned your devil horns listening to Ozzy, Motorhead, and Metallica. You take the role of Eddie Riggs, a metal head roadie who is tasked with saving a mythical heavy metal themed overworld. The art style of the game was derived from vintage heavy metal albums and comic books. Combine that with a balls to the wall soundtrack and a star studded voice acting cast which includes Ozzy Osborne, Lita Ford, Tim Curry, the boys from Tenacious D, and you have the most excellent metal game of all time.

AC/DC Live: Rock Band (PS2)

As we mourn the loss of a guitar legend, let us reminisce about the good times when AC/DC rocked our fucking socks off. To truly feel the power of AC/DC you had to see them play live and in 2008 Harmonix released the AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack. The game allows you to play along with the lads as they rip through 18 of their greatest hits which includes Back in Black, Shoot To Thrill, and You Shook Me All Night Long.

Rock And Roll Racing (SNES)

Rock and Roll Racing is an isometric racer that places more emphasis on vehicular combat than actual racing. Similar in gameplay to Biker Mice From Mars, the driver must use weapons, traps and power ups to beat the competition to the finish line. The motoring mayhem is set to MIDI rock tracks by Black Sabbath and Deep Purple which makes for a rocking racer.

KISS Pinball (PS1)

I know I know, KISS isn’t exactly considered metal but they were pioneers in pyrotechnics, artistic blood spewing, and non-clown related face painting. The game is far from a good pinball port but it deserves a mention as I am a loyal member of the KISS army.

Motorhead (Amiga)

Who would win in a wrestling match? Lemmy or God? If you know the answer to this question, then you will have no problem assuming the role of the infallible Lemmy Kilmister in this classic beat’em up. As Lemmy, you must defeat your enemies by bashing them with a guitar or by using various power-ups that you get by chugging beers and Jack Daniels. A simple brawler that reminds me of River City Ransom.