Three decades have passed since the launch of Twisted Metal, the vehicular combat saga that was decisive for the success of the first PlayStation.
Thirty years! It may seem like a lie, but Twisted Metal, one of the PlayStation’s first hits, celebrates this month the 30 years since its debut in November 1995.
The saga created by David Jaffe had a history of ups and downs, without fully achieving a place in later generations; although he managed to return by other means.
We review the history of Twisted Metal, from its origins to the present day. Join the crazy Sweet Tooth and the rest of the maniacs on this nostalgic trip.
30 years of Twisted Metal
A traffic jam and the idea of clearing the way for missiles and cannon fireit was the germ that shaped Twisted Metal, one of the first PlayStation games and a surprising success.
Long before creating God of War, David Jaffe designed this vehicular combat game, in which dangerous freaks competed behind the wheel to receive the wish that Calypso would grant them.
It was a story stuck on pins and needles, but it was enough to make it work: the game reached one million copies and has become one of the favorites of American users.
Twisted Metal 2 (1996) took us on an international tour and improved multiplayer. Sweet Tooth, the clown with the burning head, returned with his ice cream truck, now the emblem of the saga.
Twisted Metal 3 (1998) was a more insubstantial sequelwith Rob Zombie’s soundtrack among its few attractions. In turn, Twisted Metal 4 (1999) fixed most bugsbut it was time to change generations.
The return of Jaffe and original producer Scott Campbell led to Twisted Metal: Black (2001), for PS2. And, in fact, it was “black” like coal, with a very dark story, full of terrible characters.
Happily, that packaging hid bombproof gameplay; so much so that Black is still played today, and is considered the definitive installment. There was even an independent online version in 2002.
After the cool children’s spin-off Twisted Metal: Small Brawl (2001) for PSOneThe first portable delivery arrived: Head-On (2005) for PSP, considered “the real Twisted Metal 3” and one of the best games in the series.
The arrival of the PS3 gave rise to a succession of failed projects, ranging from Harbor City (sequel to Black) from Twisted Metal: Apocalypse and Revolution.
Then came a reboot, which lowered Black’s dark level and offered just three pilots. Twisted Metal (2012) had Jaffe once again at the controlsand received a remarkable reception.
The saga would not be able to jump to the following consoles. And it wasn’t for lack of trying: from a reboot for PS5, to a game as a service; without any of them having managed to take shape.
In 2023, Twisted Metal returned with another format: televisionin series form for Peacock. And establishing a curious parallel with the first game, it surprised us by being crazy, spectacular and extremely fun.
Twisted Metal had a second season and will undoubtedly receive another installment. Let’s hope Sony takes note, and this time it does. open the garage door where Sweet Tooth and his friends stay.
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