Metal Heroes: The gamebook that teaches you how to rock and read at the same time

Whether you've got a heart for heavy music or just like to hum along to the rhythm, the Metal Heroes gamebook by Swen Harder is something you definitely shouldn't miss. It grabs your attention right away with its production – not only is it a hefty beast, but it's also visually stunning, and once you start reading, you'll realize it offers much more than just an interactive story.

Get ready for a mix of urban fantasy atmosphere, metal, musical references, and humor.

A band, a story, and a world full of references

You're probably asking yourself, "But Bunny, what makes it so original?" Well, first and foremost, its variety! You don't just lead your hero; you also have a band that you improve, practice new songs with, pick up chicks, and party. On top of that, you manage your bandmates' relationships, help them achieve their goals, and work together to take over the entire metal scene. Various story branches await, allowing you to make decisions that affect not just you, but the whole band.

The entire gamebook is interspersed with comic strips, and the chapters also include QR codes for songs to set the mood, spiced up with fun facts from the world of rock and metal. Add in custom rules that you can adjust based on how hardcore of a player you are, and you've got a title that won't let you go easily.

A game system that holds your hand

I love that the book guides you step-by-step with in-game hints, so even a complete beginner can handle it. You just start from the beginning, and as the story progresses, it naturally teaches you what to learn and what to focus on. You choose the difficulty – from an easier mode that strips away some mechanics, to playing it punk-style, where you do whatever you want and ignore all the rules.

And if you hit a "power off" moment during the game, you don't have to start from the very beginning, which is a great change compared to other gamebooks. Thanks to the chapter division, you can pause your reading and playing, which is a huge plus for such a massive book.

The gamebook was originally published in German, but the 2024 Czech edition from Mytago publishing is surprisingly fresh and excellently translated – it's packed with slang, jokes, and references that all work perfectly.

What doesn't work here?

Sure, even this metal ride has its minor flaws, because nothing is perfect, not even metal. There is a lot of text, so if you're looking for fast-paced action, you won't find it here.

The musical references are also a bit impractical; the story prompts you to play a specific song – which is a cool and original idea, but not always ideal, like when you're playing on public transport or at work (we won't tell your boss!). So you don't get as confused as a bunny in the woods, I'm including a link to the Metal Heroes Spotify playlist. Or, buy the Metal Heroes Collector's Set on imago, which includes the soundtrack on CD!

And of course, while I believe Metal Heroes could be enjoyed by different generations, I would recommend it for ages 18+. The humor is a bit spicier, and the overall atmosphere definitely suits adult readers better.

Summary

For me, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Metal Heroes is incredibly stylish, funny, variable, and most importantly – fun. It's a mix of story, game mechanics, music, and humor that just works. The Czech translation by Michal Smrkovský is well-done, the atmosphere is spot on, and everything together creates the most complex gamebook I've encountered so far.

If you're looking for a story that will consume you, entertain you, and get your blood pumping with a guitar riff, this is exactly it. You won't just read this; you'll live it.

So put on your leather jacket, throw up the horns, and get ready for a wild ride. Whether you're a rocker, a metalhead, or a secret Swiftie!

Author "Bunny" Dominika Mátyásiová