twisted metal cover art

Twisted Metal: A staple of the original PlayStation

Pure Car-nage

Pure Car-nage

Twisted Metal is a classic video game that was first released in 1995 for the Sony PlayStation console. It quickly became a fan favorite due to its unique blend of vehicular combat and arcade-style gameplay. The game’s success spawned a series of sequels and spin-offs that continued to captivate gamers for years to come.

The game was developed by SingleTrac, a company that had previously developed a number of other popular PlayStation games. Twisted Metal was their first foray into the world of vehicular combat games, and it was a huge success. The game’s gameplay is simple yet addictive, allowing players to choose a vehicle from a roster of eccentric characters and battle against opponents in a series of arenas.

Each vehicle has its own special abilities and weapons, such as machine guns, missiles, and flamethrowers, which are used to destroy enemy vehicles and collect power-ups scattered throughout the arena. The objective is to be the last car standing.

Characters

One of the reasons why the first Twisted Metal game was so great is because of its unique characters and story. The game’s premise is that a mysterious man named Calypso has organized a vehicular combat tournament, promising to grant the winner any wish they desire. Each character has their own reason for entering the tournament, ranging from revenge to greed to just plain madness. The characters are all distinct and memorable, with quirky personalities and unique vehicles that match their personalities.

For example, there is Sweet Tooth, a deranged clown who drives an ice cream truck that is equipped with a flamethrower. There is also Outlaw, a cowboy who drives a dune buggy that is armed with a shotgun. The characters are all over the top and absurd, but they are also memorable and engaging, which makes the game more enjoyable.

Game Design

The game’s level design is another highlight. Each arena is filled with obstacles and hazards, such as ramps, explosive barrels, and lava pits, that make battles even more intense. The arenas are also visually striking, with a mix of industrial and post-apocalyptic themes that give the game a gritty and dark atmosphere.

Multiplayer

But perhaps the biggest reason why Twisted Metal was so great is because of its multiplayer mode. The game can be played with up to four players, each controlling their own vehicle. The battles are chaotic and unpredictable, with players constantly on the move and trying to outmaneuver each other. The multiplayer mode was a huge draw for gamers, and it helped cement Twisted Metal’s status as a classic PlayStation game.

The game’s success led to a series of sequels and spin-offs, each with its own unique characters and gameplay mechanics. Twisted Metal 2, which was released in 1996, expanded on the gameplay of the first game, introducing new vehicles, weapons, and arenas. The series continued to evolve over the years, with the latest game, Twisted Metal (2012), being released for the PlayStation 3.

The Original Remains the Best

Despite the many sequels and spin-offs, the first Twisted Metal game remains a classic that is still beloved by gamers today. Its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and fast-paced action helped set the standard for vehicular combat games. It was a game that was ahead of its time, and it has left a lasting impact on the video game industry.

Twisted Metal is a classic video game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its unique blend of arcade-style gameplay, memorable characters, and intense multiplayer battles made it an instant classic. The game’s success spawned a series of sequels and spin-offs that continued to evolve the gameplay and introduce new characters, but the original game remains a fan favorite. If you haven’t played Twisted Metal yet, it’s definitely worth checking out for its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and fast-paced action.