Twisted Metal: Black

"Twisted Metal is back in BLACK!!"

Ok as you can tell from some of my other reviews on this site that I'm really into the darker side of gaming....but one thing I did not expect was for one of my favorite but yet tamest of series to come back in the format that it should of been done in the first place. That series is Twisted Metal, and the game is Twisted Metal:Black, I was thinking when I opened up the casing and slid it into my PS2, ok same old Twisted Metal only with much better graphics and so fourth...I couldn't have been more wrong. TMB is a REMAKE of the original TM, no its not a squeal, its a total revamping of the story and gameplay of the original series. And let me tell you something....I've only seen a few games in my life that are as down right sadistic as TMB, some of the characters will literally scare you to death! Its still Twisted Metal, only much darker, bloodier, and more just plan old evil than any of the previous installments.

Graphics:10 Graphics really really shine in this game! Every single car is almost unbelievable to watch flying around the screen in mind blowing speed with explosions that can only be described as eye candy to say the least. The levels in TMB are also very amazing, dark and moody just like the characters, a lot contain rain snow etc. And almost EVERYTHING in the levels can be destroyed and I do mean EVERYTHING! Innocent bystanders can be found running through the huge levels, another thing returning from the first two TM's, they can be ran over blown up and set on fire etc. And its just seems plan old satisfying to race back and fourth into your opponents while at the same time watching human beings fly through the air lol.

Control:10 I would have given the controls a 9 ranking because they are kind of awkward I'll admit, but its still the same old control pattern that I know and love from the other TM's so I guess I'm kind of a pro lol. Cars and weapons are very responsive to your commands, so much to the point that when your in a long dragged out battle, you actually begin to feel like your driving!

Music/Sound:10 Well instead of the usual heavy metal/punk rock tunes of the original TM games, we get some sadistic eerie music that alone is enough to make your skin crawl. I especially liked the music on the Prison passage level, really demented and stomach turning heh. Not to mention they brung back a Rolling Stones classic that really fits the game itself ''Painted Black'', I found myself sometimes watching the credits movie just to see the CG movie tied together with the song. Even though ''Painted Black'' is the only real song in the game, the music overall rocks. Sounds effects are awesome as well, the sound of the machines guns blasting while your tires squeal back and fourth blasting off missiles are all done to perfection! All of the voice acting is actually great as well, check out the voice of Sweet-Tooth he'll make your heart jump into your throat.

Story:10 The story is also top notch just like almost everything else in the game! All the normal characters have three movies, an intro, a middle movie, and a ending. You really start feeling sorry for the characters, well all but Sweet-Tooth who is a raving psychopath lol. In one of his movies he actually complains about not enough people coming to see his execution lol. I'm really glad they killed the old story and redid the whole thing, to prove the game is actually a remake rather than a squeal, the story in no way at all ties into the original games. The story is a great detail that drives to play and defeat the game many times over.

Gameplay:10 We all know what a great Twisted Metal game is about....fast paced action. This game does all the others in the series justice as the pace of the entire game is so fast that if you blink you might miss something worth seeing! Its just as good and better than all the other Twisted Metal games, only the improved graphics and story line increase the enjoyment of the game overall. Not to mention the very sadistic and graphic visions that the game throws in yours face not holding back a thing. In the end you have action packed title that is driven by its story line very well.

Fun Factor:10 ITS TWISTED METAL! its all about fun, only this time its much faster darker.....a prettier heh.

Rent or Buy: If your not a fan of the previous Twisted Metal games you should go rent it and at least try it out....but in my opinion this game is a must have for any PS2 owner, Ingoinc did a great job of bringing back the old Twisted Metal feel with a new and dark twist. I just pray that a squeal for this game will be out soon...

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/30/01, Updated 12/30/01