Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard (2009)

by Christopher February 26, 2009

written by Christopher February 26, 2009 4 minutes read

Summary

A unique blend of humor and action, Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard endeavored to lampoon the video game industry but was ultimately let down by its gameplay execution.

Release Year: 2009
Genres: Shooter
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Developers: Vicious Cycle Software
Publishers: D3 Publisher

Introduction

Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard represents an audacious attempt to parody the video game industry through the lens of a has-been video game hero.

Synopsis

In Eat Lead, players dive into the shoes of Matt Hazard, a character navigating through a satirical world designed to mimic and mock the evolution of video games.

Characters

The game features Matt Hazard, voiced by Will Arnett, and his arch-nemesis Wallace Wellesley, voiced by Neil Patrick Harris, among other parodic renditions of video game characters.

Gameplay

While Eat Lead attempted to innovate with its self-aware narrative, the gameplay was critiqued for lackluster shooting mechanics, repetitive level design, and missed opportunities in fully realizing its parody potential.

Reception and Critiscism

The game received a mixed critical reception, with a notable review from Eurogamer giving it a 3/10, highlighting the game’s struggle in delivering a compelling parody that matches its gameplay with its humor.

Conclusion

Eat Lead: The Return of Matt Hazard serves as a cautionary tale in game design, showing that while humor and parody can enrich a game’s narrative, they cannot compensate for fundamental gameplay issues.

Review Score

5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.