The Twisted Metal video game series has been wreaking high-speed demolition havoc since its arrival in 1995.
The widely popular vehicular combat franchise was a mainstay of the PlayStation lineup during the late 90s and early 2000s, and while no new game has been released since 2012, Twisted Metal games remain some of the most captivating releases to have ever graced Sony consoles.
Each game in the series has its own unique flavor of vehicular destruction, but there’s one title that many fans argue is the best: Twisted Metal 2.
Is this really the case? Today, we are going to dive into Twisted Metal 2 and explore what makes it so great. We’ll look at the gameplay mechanics, the characters, the levels, and more to better understand why Twisted Metal 2 is considered the top game in the franchise.
So buckle up, friends! Because today we’re going on a wild ride!
Is Twisted Metal 2 The Best Game In The Series?
Critics and fans agree that Twisted Metal 2 is the best game in the Twisted Metal series. This sequel improves upon the original by adeptly addressing the issues that held back the first game, delivering an improved gameplay experience with larger and more intricate levels, a diverse cast of memorable characters, and tight, responsive controls.
Twisted Metal 2 is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and iconic games in the Twisted Metal franchise. But if we aim to understand why it deserves to be called the best game in the series, let’s take a quick look at the franchise as a whole.
A Twisted Metal History
Since the release of the seminal Twisted Metal in the mid-90s, games in the franchise have consistently delivered frenetic vehicular battles in varied environments, over-the-top characters, a healthy dose of dark humor, and hours upon hours of frenzied fun.
Over the years the Twisted Metal franchise produced several mainline games, each with its own unique features.
The first game was released in 1995 for the Sony Playstation and was both a critical and commercial success, praised for its innovative car-combat gameplay and memorable characters, each with their own special weapons and abilities.
The second game was released a measly 1 year later, but we’ll talk more about it below.
Twisted Metal 3 was released in 1998 also for the Playstation console, although it was the first game in the series to be developed by an entirely different studio. While the game further expanded the cast of playable characters and the list of available vehicles, it was heavily criticized for a repetitive gameplay loop and uninspired levels. The fourth game was developed by the same studio as the third entry and released in 1999. Twisted Metal 4 also received mixed reviews, with most criticism pointing out its lack of innovation and unimpressive graphics.
After the somewhat lukewarm reception of the third and fourth games, the franchise was rebooted with 2001’s Twisted Metal: Black, for the PlayStation 2, which was followed by 2005’s Twisted Metal: Head-On (a direct narrative sequel to Twisted Metal 2). Both of these games received generally positive reviews.
The final Twisted Metal game was another franchise reboot, simply titled Twisted Metal. This game was released in 2012 for the PlayStation 3 and received mostly positive reviews, though some players heavily criticized the more difficult controls and reduced narrative content.
The Twisted Metal franchise has had its ups and downs over the years, with some games receiving critical acclaim while others were criticized for their lack of innovation. This helps us see why Twisted Metal 2 is held so highly by so many players.
Twisted Metal 2: A Fan Favorite
The critical reception for Twisted Metal 2 was overwhelmingly positive and it was awarded Game of the Year by Electronic Gaming Monthly in 1995. It is also the fan favorite, with many fans considering it the very best game in the series.
This is because Twisted Metal 2 offers what is arguably one of the most engaging gameplay experiences in the franchise.
The game’s mechanics are super easy to pick up, but very difficult to master, providing players with a level of challenge that is highly addictive. The game’s gameplay is further enhanced by its significantly larger levels, which offer players more space to explore, strategize, and destroy.
The game also introduces players to a more diverse cast of characters, each with their unique narrative and set of skills. All of the characters in Twisted Metal 2 are fascinating, but the new ones introduced in Twisted Metal 2 are particularly deadly and entertaining.
The cast’s diversity is one of the strongest characteristics and it adds a ton of replayability to the game.
Perhaps one of the most impressive and well-received features of Twisted Metal 2 is its tight and responsive control scheme. Driving around feels intuitive and natural, allowing players to easily navigate around the detailed maps and execute precise maneuvers during combat.
Ultimately, the question of which game is the best in the series is highly personal and the answer will depend on each player’s individual tastes and preferences. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that Twisted Metal 2 is a standout in the series for its improved graphics, gameplay, and superb-level design.
