In a storyline concocted by frontman James Hetfield, players begin as Metallica's opening act, and eventually play as Metallica once they prove their mettle. Everything about the game, from the menu animations based on art by Pushead, Metallica's long-running collaborating artist, to venues and stage sets from all phases of the band's career to signature lighting effects and crowd chants will be familiar to fans.

The members all initially appear as their modern-day selves, but there will be unlockable character skins that hearken back to earlier eras. Although no past members are in the game (there go fantasies for a Cliff Burton cameo � the band feared his inclusion may have felt like a slight to Trujillo), a few of Metallica's heroes make appearances. [how is that for spin? A slight to Trujillo? Surely he would understand the band honoring their own history and key founding member of the group. Or perhaps it is out of respect to Cliff who was a member of the band back when they refused to sell out by making a music video.] - RS report