Twisted Metal

When you think of the most iconic titles of the PS1 era, the minds of many players would jump to platformers, RPGs, racers or fighting games. These were the genres that led the way throughout this time. However, there were a few games that broke the mould, offering a new experience unlike any other. Twisted Metal was one such franchise that did that. This game would introduce the gaming community to the destruction derby genre, a genre that to this day, is still led by the Twisted Metal franchise.

This game forged a genre for itself meaning that at the time of release, there weren’t many games like it. However, since then some games have surfaced which are comparable. These would be games like WWE Crush Hour, Destruction Derby, Full Auto, Carmageddon, Death Rally and Roadkill. This series may not garner the same fan attention as it did back in the day. However, in its day, this game was a real fan favourite. We find out why in our review of Twisted Metal.

Chaos and Carnage

If we were to sum up Twisted Metal in one sentence, it would be that this game is a fighting game where you control cars instead of humans. If you’ve ever seen the destruction derbies that take place in America, you’ll understand this concept very well. This usually involves drivers tactically crashing into opponents until they are the last car standing. Well, Twisted Metal takes this concept and gives the player a wealth of over the top and violent options to make this a reality. The player gains access to rocket launchers, machine guns, elemental effects, land mines, flamethrowers and much more to take out the competition. With the overall goal of being the last car in the arena that hasn’t exploded into little pieces. It is a wacky concept that offers fun and fast-paced gameplay which while not the deepest or nuanced we have ever seen, still provides hours of fun.

Motorised Mayhem

The game offers a wide range of vehicles to choose from, including monster trucks, police cars and clown-themed ice cream vans to share a few with you. Plus, the game offers a variety of different areas to battle in too, all within the Los Angeles area. These stages are well designed and offer enough variety in layout to provide a different challenge each time you play through a stage. However, what we will say is that these stages are in short supply. You can easily power through all six stages in a matter of hours, so in terms of value for money, the campaign mode for this game leaves the player wanting more.

However, when you take into account the replay value and the multiplayer aspects of this title, the shortcomings of the campaign mode become less of an issue. The pick-up and play battle modes the game provides lend themselves to long multiplayer sessions with pals.

The Verdict

Overall, Twisted Metal is a genre-defining title and for good reason. This type of game lives and dies by its gameplay and thankfully, that’s where this game excels. The vehicle, weapon and arena variety add to the replayability, the multilayer functionally means that this game is one you can share with friends. Plus, although it is short, the campaign mode is fun too thanks to the aggressive AI and the subtle story aspects.

Pros:

• Gameplay is fun and fast paced
• Vehicle, weapon and level variety adds a replayability factor

Cons:

• Story mode is too short
• Visuals show their age

Ttwisted Metal is best described with one word: great! We've all seen the demolition derby games where you smash up other cars. They all pale in comparison to this one. Why? Twisted Metal is. well...sick. Where else can you pit a Hummer against a motorcycle?

This game allows you to choose from 10 different vehicles ranging from the Ice Cream Truck to a Lamborghini. Each one has its own special weapon that can do lots of damage. Aside from that, there are other types of death-dealing devices, like spikes and missiles. Your selection will also come equipped with machine guns.

The first couple of levels are only so-so. You start in a measly arena then enter a city district. The fun starts when you start competing in the suburbs. Innocent victims await your treads around every turn. There is a Christmas motif that lends a bit of perversity to the slaughter. The last level takes place on the rooftops of skyscrapers. One false move, and you fall to your death. It's that simple.

The game play of Twisted Metal is good. The controls are responsive. Switching from weapon to weapon is no problem. Each vehicle has its own strategy. With the giant monster truck, your best bet is to get in close and run over the opposition. This differs greatly from the ghost car Specter. With him, you should keep your distance and fire from behind cover.

The audio of Twisted Metal is terrific. It mixes a little spaghetti Western with Christmas tunes. Some thrash-heavy tunes round out the soundtrack as well. Another great aspect is that when the other cars are killing each other off (yes, they can do that...), you can hear all of the explosions and weapon noises.

If demolition derby with a full-metal-jacket twist sounds like your type of game, Twisted Metal may be right up your alley.

Heavy Metal Mayhem

A scorched Los Angeles is the scene of Twisted Metal's drive-by scenario, but the story line is incidental to the wanton destruction. You and a bud can engage in the two-player competitive mode, or solo drivers can compete against 11 motor maniacs in destroy-or-die vehicle combat.

To survive the carnage, you need killer wheels. You must choose wisely from 12 uniquely armed-and-danger-ous vehicles, which include an ice cream truck packing napalm cones and a missileladen motorcycle.

Pretty and TWisted

Graphically, Twisted Metal is a mixed bag. Nice touches like flickering headlights and detailed street scenes can't overcome graphic foibles like the static arena crowd and hard-to-read radar. The greatest offender is the eye-jarring breakup that occurs when you burn rubber past buildings.

Likewise, the sound effects range from anemic crowd noise to the satisfying crunch of metal against metal. The music is weak overall.

The controls take you for a wild ride. Mastery over the simultaneous steering, targeting, firing, and driving will take patience.

Despite its flaws, this twisted game is fun. If you can overlook the graphics break-up, take Twisted Metal out for a test drive.

In demolition-derby action with a futuristic bent, this two-player game straps you into the driver's seat of a low-tech vehicle armed with a deadly arsenal of high-tech weapons. The 12 machines range from ice cream trucks and police cars to motorcycles and taxis. The weaponry, however, is heavy duty -- you're armed and dangerous with missile launchers, machine guns, and flame throwers.

You can use four views to scream through five 3D worlds and blow up opposing vehicles before they destroy you. A boss vehicle awaits you in the final round. The PlayStation Combat Cable will enable two players to twist some metal head to head.