Twisted Metal

Yeah, while the first Twisted Metal may be inferior compared to the sequels it spawned (especially Twisted Metal 2: World Tour and even Twisted Metal: Black). However, back in the day, this was well received.

The story for this is on Christmas Eve 2005, Calypso holds his infamous Twisted Metal competition in the city of Los Angeles. The single-player mode has you fighting through six stages as one of the twelve selectable vehicles, from series icon Sweet Tooth to low rider Thumper to the forgotten Pit Viper. The first level, Arena Duel, starts you off easy, as it's a one-on-one fight, but future levels, based around locations in Los Angeles, has more opponents, with Assault on Cyburbia having a whopping eight opponents. The goal of the single player mode is to beat all the levels, as well as the final boss, Minion, who is the winner of the Twisted Metal before this game's.

The graphics were one of the many complaints critics had alongside the length of single-player mode, but this was released back when the PlayStation launched, I can overlook it, as back then, 3D graphics and polygon models were not perfected (as seen in games like the original Virtual Fighter, which was released in arcades two years prior to this game). Each vehicle is a different type, and has different strengths and weaknesses (Mr. Grimm has a power special weapon and high speed and handling, but low armor, and Warthog has high armor, but low speed). The controls are pretty good, as the d-pad allows movement of your vehicle and the shoulder buttons are used to switch and fire weapons as well as fire machine guns. There are a lot of weapon pick-ups in the game, some only appearing here (like the oil slick and spikes) while others would be reworked into Advanced Attacks used in the sequel (mainly the Rear Missile, Freeze Missile, and Catapult).

Sadly, the story and endings are all text. There were ending movies, but they were axed due to an employee being offended by the violence and sexual content (although Jaffe would later said they would have hurt Twisted Metal). However, it is a good game, as the single player campaign is fun, and there is a two player mode for you to take on a friend.

I still remember in 1996 When my Dad brought home the Classic PlayStation for the family to play, it came with one Demo Disc that contain many playable games.

The first real game that wasn't a demo that I can remember playing is Twisted Metal.

We spend hours playing this game that night and it was a blast. This remains of my favorite games and video game series as well because of this title alone.

Twisted Metal is a Car Combat Game where the player takes control of 12 drivers battle it out.

Each vehicle has it own special power ups and finishers that make destruction fun so every one take cover.

Controls in the game take some time to get use to but once you master it, you're in for a lot of fun also some of the vehicles handle must be done right.

The music is good but the game sound department shines with the weapon effects and sounds of engines firing up as you drive.

The Graphics are dark and twisted while the effects in the game are good as well as very well design for the Vehicles which is really what makes the game interesting to play for each of the 12 cars make something for everyone.

The main draw to the game is it Game Play the two player is where the game shines as well. The main issue with the game is the handling where you can spin out if you don't do it right.

Overall if you're a fan of old school video games and or just want to see how the series got it start this is your game.

I give Twisted Metal an 9 out of 10

Those are the words that best sum this up -- it's got an attitude and gives a big F-you to all the other racing/destruction games out there. It's raw, energetic and blows up everything in sight.

In my opinion the sequel is actually better (the first sequel, that is) but this is still a great game and one of the first available for the Playstation when it came out... a decade ago! The years have really flown by.

Chances are if you were around back in '95 when this was released, you played it. It was the "Halo" or "GTA" of its day (almost, anyway) and has spawned a countless series of sequels, most of which aren't as good (some of which... are).

"Twisted Metal" is vicious and fun -- if your friend owns an original Playstation, chances are he owns this too; play it.

Wow. Its been ten years since this masterpiece was released onto the original PSX. Even though most twisted metal fans say that tm2 and black were better, this game is still a dirty pleasure of mine and my all time favorite, ever since I first played it back in 95'.

Twisted Metal 1 takes place in 2005 on Christmas Eve in the crime-filled streets of L.A. A mysterious and powerful gang lord, the mighty Calypso, announces that it is time for the legendary Twisted Metal Contest to begin. To find contestants for his demolition-derby of death, he sends out e-mail invitations, which contain a simple request: "Will You Drive?" The winner of his contest is also granted anything his/her heart desires.

The contest takes place throughout the city of L.A.; from the freeways, to the suburbs, and even a final battle on the top of the L.A. skyscrapers. Your roster of available cars range from a dune buggy, to a maniac ice cream truck. This isn't your regular racing game; your given the freedom to go anywhere you want when you want, blowing away the competition with the available weapon power-ups, like homing missiles and mines. Pedestrians are a free lunch for your bumper as well.

This game definitely should be included in any TM-fans game library. This is the game that defined car combat and shouldn't be forgotten even after the fantastic Twisted Metal Head-On ships on the PSP.