Twisted Metal

Twisted Metal is a thrilling action racing game where players drive various vehicles in the Twisted Metal Championship. Each car possesses unique abilities, requiring players to maneuver skillfully on the track and launch bullets and even missiles to eliminate all opponents and become the ultimate victor. Players must also be wary of the race host, Calypso, who possesses mysterious powers that twist the victors' desires, necessitating constant vigilance to prevent fatal consequences. The game supports multiplayer mode, allowing players to invite friends to form teams and compete against players worldwide, using their teamwork to achieve final victory.

Gameplay of Twisted Metal:

Although each individual game features its own storyline, they all revolve around the eponymous "Twisted Metal": a vehicular combat tournament hosted once a year.

In almost all of the games, the host is a man called "Calypso"; however, in the series' fourth installment, perennial contestant Sweet Tooth briefly takes over.

The general goal is to destroy all opponents; apart from the other contestants, unique vehicles seemingly designed by the host themselves may stand in the competitors' path.

The winner is brought before the tournament host, who will grant the contestant a single wish.

The hosts of these games are the persons who are, through arcane means, capable of warping reality itself to grant the wish of the contest winner;

however, there is a general "be careful what you wish for" theme in the game series, as nearly all of the winning contestants end up with "not-so-happy" endings,

due to the skill and proclivity of the hosts for twisting the words of their wish around often to deadly effect.

The games in the series usually contain a healthy dose of black humor.

Useful Tips of Twisted Metal:

TMB in my opinion is the easiest to get into. TMPS3 probably the best most modern core gameplay but also a bit more complex with all the additional control options. TMB is easily the best starting point in my opinion.For TMB here's a few tips

Know the special combo for the shield and rear attack. I don't use the freeze much in that game as it is a low hit rate esp on non-flat elevation. But knowing how to use the shield and rear fire is a must.

Keep moving. When playing against the computer keep moving don't stay still and constantly be going after weapons. Don't be afraid to drive around and just "jabbing" opponents with missiles and driving away. Those maps start with a lot of opponents so you are better off wearing out the opponents slowly but surely while gathering up weapons. Then when an opponent is at less than half health and you have a lot of weapons you can unload and kill them and then just keep driving.

Know the maps. You have to know where the weapon and health pickups are. Knowing the maps is going to be super helpful in any TM game.

Weapons carry over after the level. When you have one opponent left in a level, don't go after them until you are fully loaded on weapons. Because your weapons will carry over into the next level.

What kills a lot of people against the PC is that the PC can be super aggressive if you stand and just have a one vs. one fight you might be able to kill an opponent or two if you have weapons but it is more likely you as a more stationary target are going to eat you alive. Also the moment you run out of weapons you are fucked.

Player Comments of Twisted Metal:

Twisted Metal Head-On Extra Twisted Edition (other than being a mouthful), is a ported PSP game that moved over to the PS2 with enhanced visuals and a load of extra content. It follows the same story of the original version as a slew of interesting drivers, all with their own specialized-for-destruction vehicles, are sent on multiple tirades in multiple battle arenas after Calypso invites them to a winner-take-all tournament.The winner, after destroying the competition (literally), gets their greatest wish granted—but it’s never that easy when it comes to Calypso as his wish-granting usually comes with some unintended consequences. Story aside, Twisted Metal brings all the action the series is known for as levels are explosive, destructible, adaptable, and full of high-octane fun.

The PSP version of the game was well-loved and contained with it a ton of features and modes the series was known for. Most all of that content is available on this Extra Twisted Edition with the nicely added documentary on the creation of the game, and levels from the unreleased sequel of the game—Twisted Metal: Black 2. These added levels, headlined most notably by the Carnival of Darkness, which has players driving up down and all around on roller-coasters as they work to dismantle their opponents—are an amazing addition to the game. However, one notable drawback of the port is limited online play modes that the PSP originally offered.

The premise of Twisted Metal is where it shines the most—it’s an arena battle where cars with guns work to destroy the rest. It is equal parts a Battle Royale before it’s time, and traditional team deathmatch—as many follow-up games inspired by the series have taken note. Most notably, Metal Madness, which harkens the same vibe and embellishes itself as a fully-fledged Battle Royale. That being said, this port of the game does have its limitations.

Final Verdict:

Twisted Metal suits players who enjoy action-heavy gameplay with simple objectives. It works well for short play sessions or longer matches when you want something intense without complex rules. Fans of arcade-style combat and chaotic matches will likely find it the most engaging.