Twisted Metal Black
August 1, 2001
The next generation of Twisted Metal has arrived, and it rocks! Everything you loved about the first Twisted Metal is back, and with it, comes so much more.
TMB features all your favorite lunatics, and they’re definitely ready for action. Each character has their own vehicle of destruction, and of course, their exclusive special attacks. The goal of the game is simple: destroy the other drivers using any means necessary. The main game consists of eight stages, and as you progress, you’ll learn more about your character’s reason for entering the contest. Once completed, a character’s story may be watched from start to finish in the “Movies” section. These tales are always dark and dreary, yet each is unique in its own terrifying way.
Sticking with the dark theme of the game, the developers were sure to keep the visuals on the spooky side. There are no sunny raceways in this game. All the levels are dark and full of hidden hazards. Most of them feature some kind of environmental attack where part of the surroundings may be used as a weapon. Also, all the cars have a pretty rough look to them. Each one is fully loaded and ready for combat. Incognito really did a great job capturing the “worn” look of all the vehicles. While playing, you can see dents in the cars on screen, and you’ll also notice that none of them have nice, shiny coats of paint, but instead, look as if they belong in the dreary environment.
Another strong point for TMB is the game’s sound. The music definitely fits the mood, and often adds to it by creating a sense of panic. Also, you can clearly hear sounds coming from other, nearby vehicles. For instance, if you’re being chased by Spectre’s “Ghost Missile”, you’ll hear it coming, which gives you the opportunity to put up your shield and avoid damage. The number of sounds you can hear at one time is really quite amazing. If you want to know what I’m talking about, just put your controller down for a few seconds and listen… it’s incredible!
The control of the game has been tweaked somewhat, but only in a positive manner. All the moves you’ve grown to love are back, and handling your vehicle has never been easier. You don’t need to worry about the laws of physics when making a sharp turn; your vehicle will respond in an instant and make the turn, barely sliding an inch. Of course, each vehicle has its
own attributes, so some will handle better than others, but none of them are especially bad.
As far as weak points are concerned, Twisted Metal: Black has very few, if any. New players may be a bit overwhelmed at first, but after a fashion, they’ll get used it. The game is extremely fast paced and offers little chance for the player to sit and gather their senses, but that is part of the experience, it is not a drawback by any means. However, younger players should stay away from this game, it’s certainly not for the faint of heart. With each character having a story that delves into the farthest regions of terror and insanity, this game more than earns its M rating; it’s simply not meant for the younger crowd.
Overall, TMB is probably one of the best games I’ve ever played. Every aspect not only lends itself to the mood of the game, but actually adds to it, creating a wonderfully spooky experience. If you’re old enough to buy it, and you’re not too squeamish, I highly recommend this doozy of a game!
CVG Report CardTwisted Metal Black
Rating: A+
Platform: PlayStation 2
E-Mail This Article 
Print This Article