Twisted Metal 2

Review

by Michael L. House

After kick-starting the vehicular combat genre into the mainstream with Twisted Metal, SingleTrac geared up for a sequel. The only way to top the mayhem in the original version was to create an even more whacked out cast of characters, bigger and more destructive arenas and levels, increase the weapon supply, and improve the graphics engine. And that's exactly what they've done; Twisted Metal 2 is even better than its predecessor!

Anyone who played Twisted Metal will feel right at home with the concept; homicidal maniacs drive around in psychotically altered vehicles trying to blast each other to Timbuktu. The incentive is that the tournament's founder Calypso will grant them one wish if they win; anything they desire, he'll make a reality. Though this concept is totally outrageous, its part of the reason why this game is so good (and humorous, in a twisted sort of way).

You've got twelve different vehicles to choose from, each varying in speed, armor, maneuverability, and special weapon. For example, Twister is a young speed-addict who drives around in an ultra-fast race car; her special weapon is a devastating tornado. The psychotic architect Mr. Slam stalks his opponents with a large, but slow bulldozer. If you get in his way, he'll pick your car up and smash you around hence the name!

Additionally, each character wants something different; Roadkill is out to prove he's not insane, Mr. Grimm wants to feed on the souls of the dead (he's an addict), and teenagers of Hammerhead want to fly so they can look down girls' shirts. Depending on which character you choose, you'll be treated to a different ending that shows their dreams being "fulfilled". Unlike the original's endings (text-based), Twisted Metal 2 features totally insane and inspired comic book CG movie sequences; it is worth the price of admission alone for the endings!

Anyway, after choosing your vehicle, its time to enter the tournament. Gameplay involves progression though all eight levels blasting away your various opponents. A vehicle's special weapon and default machine guns won't last you very long; napalm blasts, homing and power missiles, ricochet bombs, and remote controlled explosives are strewn about each level. As the driver, you'll have to seek these out if you have any desire of winning the tournament!

With the exception of new weapons, movie sequences, and characters, Twisted Metal 2 may seem like more of the same; in some ways this is true. But there has been many improvements made on the overall gameplay. First of all, the graphics engine is much smoother with a more consistent frame rate. While the visuals are still grainy in some areas, the levels are much more complete this time through and feature better detailing. There's much more variety; whether you're driving in or around the Eiffel Tower in Paris or destroying windmills in Holland, its never repetitive.

Additionally, the control responses have been improved. Though the bigger vehicles are naturally more sluggish than the smaller ones, each moves with a sense of precision. While the camera angles (all external) capture the action perfectly, it was a little disappointing to see the exclusion of the first-player viewpoint. This was a really interesting feature of the original.

All in all, Twisted Metal 2 may not win any new fans, but it'll give any vehicular combat fan an adrenaline filled experience with all new levels, better graphics and controls, and more insane inspiration than ever before. Whereas many sequels cannot fill the shoes of their original version, this is truly an exception!