Twisted Metal Black (PS2) Awesome vehicular combat part 2 (A)

TM Black 2001 TV Spot

So here we are, number two of three different Twisted Metal games I personally have chosen to review as part of paying homage to the greatness that is the Twisted Metal Franchise. In this review, we take a look at possibly the greatest game in the series with Twisted Metal Black. I definitely remember being mesmerized by the graphics and sharp gameplay mechanics. I didn’t get my hands on Twisted Metal Black until 2002, and its only 3 or 4 years apart from when I was playing Twisted Metal’s 1 and 2, but nostalgia has definitely lurked its pleasant head while playing for the first time. I’ve longed for a title to help get the sour taste left behind from Twisted Metal’s 3 & 4, and Twisted Metal Black delivered. Developed by the team that brought us Twisted Metal, but under a different name, Twisted Metal Black was released in June of 2001 by Incognito Entertainment for the Playstation 2. Since its release, there has been an updated Twisted Metal Black Online, a Greatest Hits version, and a downloadable version of TM Black on the Playstation Network. The game was free with the purchase of the limited edition version of the 2012 Twisted Metal. You can’t run from this title, so you might as well take the time to invest in it. Just my recommendation.

Oh yeah! With Twisted Metal Black back in the hands of the original developing team, come the vintage characters we all missed and loved from the pitiful fourth sequel. There was an obvious theme with the selection of characters this go around, as the dark, demented atmosphere didn’t bode well for the likes of a Twister, or Crimson Fury where their objective was not influenced by their insanity. Calypso recruited the combatants in this installment from the Blackfield Asylum where everyone had their own sick story to tell. For example, Dollface was a victim of abuse from a psychotic employer whom locked her face inside a doll mask. Her motive for entering the competition was to win and be released from the mask, but… Moving on… Reoccurring cars in Twisted Metal Black includes Sweet Tooth, Darkside, Outlaw, Spectre, Roadkill, Shadow and Mr.Grimm. Characters introduced includes Brimstone, Crazy 8, and Junkyard Dog. Finally the bosses and unlockable characters includes Axel, Yellow Jacket, Warthog, Manslaughter, Minion, and Warhawk. I’d say it’s a perfect blend of old characters and new ones. The problem with Twisted Metal 4 in my opinion was that the formula was backwards. There were too many new characters and not enough old ones, which really didn’t help make the game appealing. I’m glad the developers decided to provide us fans with what we wanted in this Playstation 2 breakthrough title.

Is this game the best in the Twisted Metal franchise? Absolutely, without a doubt, Twisted Metal Black took vehicular combat into a whole new dimension, which begins with the stunning visuals. The game includes many different stages, although some are only available in multiplayer. You also don’t play through all the stages in a one player run. Instead, there will be times where you choose the destination you would like to go next. The stage environments include a junkyard, suburbs, freeway, downtown, rooftops, and an arena. There is no influence on the story’s ending based on the decisions you make so feel free to combat in whatever environment you desire. The colors of each setting is dark and gloomy, almost dull, which makes sense in a game where the dark and twisted backgrounds of each character leads them to destroy everything in sight. Speaking of the characters, their cars look pretty stunning as well. The animations were pretty spot on; as you choose a particular weapon, you can see the car prepare for said weapon, which adds a level of realism one can appreciate. Finally, the cutscenes are great, but you’ll have to allow me to address these scenes further down in the review.

This fifth installment to the Twisted Metal series brought a whole new meaning to the word “twisted”.  No longer was the series ‘T’ for teen, but ‘M’ for twisted, psychotic, Michael Myers-like violence. Each character had 3 cutscenes separated between the matches. The introductions give each character some background as well as their initial meeting with Calypso. Half-way through the game, you get a little more background as well as occasional epiphanies and/or realizations. The endings, as any ending from past Twisted Metals were cutscenes of Calypso following through with his promise of granting the combatant’s wish. These endings are fun to watch, but all I have to say about them is that you should really be old enough to handle what you’re about to see. It’s brutal, but in a cool twisted way. You have to understand what the game is going for to ease the feeling of disturbance. It is pretty crazy, but it’s worth your while. No spoilers from me on this front so beat the game or find the videos on Youtube.

In conclusion, Twisted Metal Black is a fun, twisted game that has aged with its day one audience. I was 14 when I first played Twisted Metal on Playstation in 1997. Black came out in 2001, well after I have turned 18. After the mediocre TM3 and awful TM4, I started losing hope that the franchise would turn things around. Something had to be done, I knew it, and I’m sure the developers knew it. I would imagine it must have felt like a big gamble to take a Teen rated game and convert it into a Mature rated one. Well, if it was a gamble then it paid off big time because Twisted Metal Black became a must-own title for the Playstation 2. Whether it’s blowing things up, playing multiplayer, enjoying the visuals, or playing through the story, this game has a little bit of everything and will most certainly be enjoyed by whoever plays it. This is a first for my blog, but I give Twisted Metal Black a grade of A. It’s one of the best titles in the PS2 library, and I promise it won’t disappoint, given you enjoy blowing things up as part of your gaming experience. Please let me know what your thoughts are on the game by leaving a comment down below. If you want to discuss anything Twisted Metal, you can reach me through my Twitter handle as well. It’s @barroomgamer. In the next review, I will conclude my Twisted Metal review trilogy with the 2012 Twisted Metal game for the Playstation 3. Until then, cheers!

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 Mike H., the founder of BarroomGamer.com  is a 30 years old, married-with-kids, undergraduate at the University of California San Diego. He enjoys playing and talking video games with anyone, as well as enjoying delicious alcoholic beverages to accompany him in his gaming experiences. He’s new to the realm of blogging, but  loves the idea of sharing his thoughts about video games, or anything related to them,with the world. He loves to discuss, find him on Twitter @barroomgamer