Official Website

Platform: PlayStation 2

Genre: Action

Number of Players: 1 - 4

Peripherals: Multi-tap Adaptor

When the original Twisted Metal games where release on the Playstation console, it was one of those series that I just couldn’t take a huge interest in. The concept was somewhat interesting, and there was definitely something to be said when you brought a friend into the mix, but overall it just wasn’t as impressive as other titles that where hitting the system. The series also took a drastic turn for the worst when the original creator stepped aside, turning everything over to a new development team, 989 Studios, that didn’t quite have the know-how or affection for what Twisted Metal was all about. When I heard that Twisted Metal was heading for the Playstation 2, I feared the worst, expecting more of the same, tired car combat that gamers had been seeing since 1995. Little did I know what I was in store for. When the original Twisted Metal games where release on the Playstation console, it was one of those series that I just couldn’t take a huge interest in. The concept was somewhat interesting, and there was definitely something to be said when you brought a friend into the mix, but overall it just wasn’t as impressive as other titles that where hitting the system. The series also took a drastic turn for the worst when the original creator stepped aside, turning everything over to a new development team, 989 Studios, that didn’t quite have the know-how or affection for what Twisted Metal was all about. When I heard that Twisted Metal was heading for the Playstation 2, I feared the worst, expecting more of the same, tired car combat that gamers had been seeing since 1995. Little did I know what I was in store for.

Although you wouldn’t expect a back-story in any game that’s just car combat, but those already familiar with the series know better. Twisted Metal puts players in control of one of many asylum inmates that have been turned loose by the mysterious Calypso. The mission is simple, destroy your opponents with various weapon attachments found through each battleground, survive the carnage, and a single wish shall be granted. Of course, survival is easier said than done, as other inmates have been unleashed in the combat arena as well.

Twisted Metal Black brings back the original team from the first two games and delivers a game that could almost be considered a whole new product. Black is definitely an appropriate term to use here as this installment is definitely much darker than the previous games in the series. Each character has their own reason for being in the asylum, and we’re shown part of their history in the games beginning cut scenes. However, some of these are quite grisly and detailed, and most get joyfully worse as the game progresses. Expect to see stories of cannibalism, serial killers, homicidal maniacs, and fanatical preachers.

The levels in TMB are enormous, and graphically impressive. Almost every one of them has some sort of minor interaction present. In the suburbs for instance, aside from the fact that players can drive through and destroy just about every building present, there’s also a carnival set up where players can send the Ferris wheel tumbling out of control, crush both opponents and everything else in its path. There is a purpose to this mayhem and destruction though, and many levels have hidden items available in them. Some items allow you to unlock different stages in the multi-player mode while others will help to unlock hidden characters.

Many times, multi-player games tend to suffer in terms of quality and overall playability as you add more gamers into the mix. TMB is one of the few titles that isn’t hindered by this at all. Although you have to purchase a multi-tap to take full advantage of the four-player mode, the game suffers no visible slowdown at all, and still runs at a smooth 60 frames per second. Multi-player mode is set up in the typical four corners view that is standard with any of the multi-player games, so most gamers will be used to this by now.

Despite there being different characters/vehicles, almost all of them handle exactly the same, with a few exceptions here and there. As could be expected, the smaller vehicles, like Mr. Grimm for instance, tend to be quick whereas the larger ones, like Darkside, are slow and clunky. The real difference comes down to the special weapons, and there’s definitely some interesting ones this time. Preacher hurls the body of one of his followers at opponents, complete with the disciple screaming "Repent" as they fly towards the enemy. Sweet Tooth’s ice cream truck morphs into a giant mecha for a deadly missile filled assault. But special attacks aren’t everything.

More than anything, TMB is definitely a game a strategy in both the single player as well as the multi-player modes. While the computer AI isn’t too terribly sophisticated, there are plenty of enemies on hand in each level to keep even the best player on their toes. Of course, there are plenty of weapon pick-ups including various types of missiles as well as the ever-popular gas can as well as some handy environmental attacks which can hit several enemies all at once. There’s also a few special moves, set up like your standard fighting game, that allow invisibility, jumps, and even a freeze blast.

Honestly, I can’t think of a single thing about Twisted Metal Black that would warrant me calling it a bad game. In fact, I think this may very well be one the top 10 best games that is currently on the Playstation 2 console, and that’s saying a lot, especially considering that I really had no love for the original version of the game and it’s sequels. TMB isn’t just a great single player game, it’s definitely an astounding multi-player game that could even, to an extent, be considered a party game. Forget about grabbing the N64 and picking up Mario Party when guests come over, Twisted Metal Black is where it’s at.

-mike-