Twisted Metal: Black

"This game very fun, yet far from normal"

Twisted Metal: Black.. a video game I avoided for days just because of how.. well, ''twisted'' it really was inside. But, after I got over the initial horror (Even Resident Evil doesn't stand up to this craziness.. I mean, this isn't just horror.. this is.. well, something more than just horror.. something that has to be experienced to be understood). I began to seriously become hooked on it, practically becoming one with the psychos in the game. Although, it sounds bad that the game is so evil, but thats just what makes the game as fun as it is. It makes evil. It makes it black.

Gameplay 10/10

Well, this is by far, the best car combat game ever placed on the earth.. and this one sure isn't from God. Twisted Metal: Black's gameplay is pretty much the same as other car combat games, although, its very different. One thing for sure, that parts this from other games, is its difficulty level. If you have a short temper with video games, TMB isn't for you. The first time I played I put the game on 'easy', and yet it still took me nearly 5 tries to get past the first 2 levels.. and there are 8 total, and then of course the whole rest of characters. This game is definently one of a kind, and thats what makes it great fun!

Graphics 10/10

The only game with better grpahics than this is Gran Turismo 3, and not by a long stretch either. These graphics are, black, although finely detailed. The weather effects are amazing, and the draw distance is farther than any other game I've seen. There is no pop-up or slowdown at all. And, it runs at a steady 60 FPS throughout the entire game.. all the while, keeping the detail level at a maximum. But, despite all of this, the best part of the graphics in the game is the missiles and explosions. Another one of the things in this game that just has to be seen to be understood. The explosions are the most relistic I've ever seen, and once again, the draw distance is amazing. You can litterally fire a missile and watch go for many, many digital miles, until finally exploding.. into a mountain so far away, you thought it was part of a rendered backround. It really is amazing.. and this is one of those games that just shows the TRUE power of the PlayStation 2.

Controls 10/10

Well, rack up another 10 for TMB, because these controls are perfect. Although, 'different', just like the rest of the game, they are 'different' in a good sort of way.. just like the rest of the game. I'm not going to explain them here, because chances are you're going to say ''What in the hell? Is this guy crazy? Those controls wouldn't be good!'' or something to that effect. But, trust me, when you do find them out.. remember that I SAID THEY WERE GOOD.

Sound 10/10

Most people don't realize the effects sound has on a video game. Most people don't realize the importance of it. Well, let me assure you, it is very important, not only in horror games, but in every kind of game, included the twisted one this is. Don't believe me? Well, just pop in TMB and mute the sound, and then you'll realize that not only will the 'suspense' be washed away, so will the understanding of the story, becuase you won't be able to hear the near perfect voice-overs.

Replay Value: High .. 10/10

This game is very, very replayable. Not only will you beat the game with all the characters, trust me you will.. just to hear their twisted stories and get to blow more cars up, you'll be able to call up your friends and bring em over for an all night Twisted Metal Black brawl. Really, the funnest thing to do with your best friend is blow him up on Twisted Metal Black. And, if you have a sudden jolt of boredom.. or peace, you can go at it as allies in the co-op story mode. Yep, this sounds great already, and I haven't even mentioned the other single-player modes. Well, if you have a PlayStation 2 then go buy this game.. even if you don't have a PlayStation 2, then go buy this game just to read the horrific instruction manual.. yes, it's that good.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/14/01, Updated 08/14/01