Twisted Metal: Head-On

"Fun, but never quite makes an impact. It mostly shines online."

The Twisted Metal series has been one that has gone through the typical rise to fame and then fall off the bandwagon routine that so many games face. It saw its high point with TM2, its low point with TM 3/4 and it's revival with TMB and the online companion to it. Somewhere in-between, the totally forgettable Small Brawl was added only garnering attention from TMphiles. Despite all of this, it has never lost it's fan base and even with casual gamers such as myself who don't play series to death still have fun with these types of games. Head on while being portable still maintains something for everyone but lacks a punch that earlier iterations made.

While it may seem that the game at first hand would be similar to that of TMB since it is being developed by Incognito, it is far from it. The game retains much of the feel of earlier TM games most notably the first two entries from when Incognito was known by a different name. Instead of a dark game like Black, it is definitely more childish in the sense that they are complete opposites when compared together. Another thing that sets the games apart is the cut scenes which are done completely in comic book/cartoon style fashion.

The actual game play which is what it comes down to is impressively good. While there a few flaws, it achieves being a fun little romp through the levels albeit short. On the plus side, weapons are varied, upgrades are numerous and the levels are decently sized. You are never felt that you are limited because this is a portable game. Also on the plus side would be the AI. While it can be questionable at times, it definitely has strategy on the harder settings and the boss fights will have you scratching your head figuring out how to devise a plan to beat them. Even with all of this, one will feel that something is missing but will not be able to pinpoint exactly what.

Controls in the game are well implemented but can be at times painful especially if using the analog stick. One will want to back up from a tight spot and the only quick way to do this is to use the analog stick, which when you do, you have a tendency to back up the wrong way. Firing is great using the L and R buttons and the 4 buttons on the right are perfectly implemented for the various features.

The story line is typical TM with the insane Calypso doing his dirty deeds. If you have played TM before, expect the twisted, and if you haven't, I will leave the pleasure of finding out for yourself.

Graphics while a little rough, are pretty well done and it makes a nice addition to your library of games to show off to your friends. The frame rate keeps up and the backgrounds are nicely detailed. Even the cars have their trademark markups intact.

The sound which is sometimes forgettable is equally impressive when being pumped out of the speakers. It is clear and crisp, but again, nothing is worth repeating in your head afterwards except maybe the main song.

While Story mode will take a while trying to get everyone's endings, it doesn't have much replay value unless you want to get all the secrets. The real deal and the highlight of this game is the online component that you should really show off to everyone. It is the Infrastructure mode that brings TM to life. While Black brought the PS2 online, this game brings the PSP online. Using almost any wireless connection in a building or outside that isn't password protected, you can connect to the internet. Upon doing so, you can join dozens of games with people like you to play a variety of games. One has not felt the joy and excitement you get when you start playing someone across the country in the palm of your hands while waiting for a doctors appointment. It is a blast and something that will only get better over time.

In the end, it all comes down to the developers and they have done a good job on this game. While some will miss the darker side they were approaching before, others will be drawn in by the game's remarkable effort at being fun to play and for bringing internet gaming to the palms of your hand.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/01/05