Why The Industry Needs Twisted Metal

At first, I think we were all overwhelmed at the sheer magnitude of the announcement. But it didn't take long for me to notice something: an unpredictable yet seemingly reasonable schism in the gaming community, evidently created by the style of the game in question.

A perfect example of some misgivings I've seen concerning Eat Sleep Play's new project is this comment- "Eh, I've moved past it." This sort of sums up the feelings of some gamers; we've seen similar comments from posters here at PSXE and in truth, you will find such statements everywhere. It's the obvious implication that since Twisted Metal: Black on the PS2, and since the time when the franchise name elicited smiles from gamers everywhere, the industry has changed. Some will even say we've "grown up" and a game like Twisted Metal is a little too...simplistic. We've got games that look and play a lot like blockbuster Hollywood movies now; we've got storytelling innovations and revolutions; we've got the advent of new technologies in the realms of motion-sensing and 3D. And in fact, David Jaffe recently confirmed that his new game wouldn't support either.

Something struck me about what Dave and Scott Campbell said during our E3 interview; they were talking about the multiplayer aspect, and how they wanted to reclaim that lost feeling of sitting next to your buddy on the couch, playing the same game. And as time has gone on, I've seen a lot of this mentality from Jaffe and Co.: it essentially says that we shouldn't take ourselves so damn seriously all the time, and that this industry is about fun, and that "fun" doesn't necessarily have to hold deeper meanings or provide deeper emotions and experiences. And while I will always say gaming must progress in order to finally obtain true legitimacy and I love the advances in storytelling and writing, I sort of agree. A certain part of the industry must stick to its roots; we must remember why we started playing in the first place, and why we still play today.

Twisted Metal is about fast-paced entertainment. It's about blowing sh** up. It's about teaming up with friends or enjoying a dark, frenetic, madcap, over-the-top car combat game by yourself. The visuals aren't designed to fool us into thinking we're watching a film, the stories aren't an attempt at replacing the novel, and there isn't a recreation of a realistic world, ala GTA or the upcoming Mafia II. No, it's none of that. What it is - or should I say, what it likely will be - is a blast and a half designed specifically for the sole purpose of allowing us to forget our cares and grin away for a few hours. That's all. In its simplicity, it's a noble endeavor; you shouldn't say you're "past it" or you've "outgrown it." You shouldn't analyze it or over-think it. Just play it. And if you don't have fun, we'll be quite surprised.

That all being said, I do believe this mindset must coexist with the progressive, forward-thinking part of the industry to give us a nice balance. I love the artistic side of all entertainment forms...sorry Dave, but the "artsy fartsy" games you seem to dislike are some of my favorites. :)

Tags: twisted metal, twisted metal ps3, eat sleep play

8/2/2010 9:19:45 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (61 posts)

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Snaaaake
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 9:49:01 PM
Reply

I don't know much about Twisted Metal, can anyone tell me who is the dude that was a macho, standing between 2 big wheels and driving it?
Once watched people play it and I find it funny he drive something like that.

Last edited by Snaaaake on 8/2/2010 9:49:38 PM

0 up, 0 down

Reccaman18
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 9:53:48 PM

That's Axel. I never really liked using him too much. I always played with Sweet Tooth, Roadkill, and the Outlaw cars.

1 up, 0 down

diecastpe
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 6:28:36 AM

I think u men axl

0 up, 0 down

CharlesD
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 8:38:54 AM

Axel.. he was awesome, not the best in terms of effectiveness but he was still one of the most bamf characters there. Even though all of them were cray amazing

1 up, 0 down

Vito_Scaletta
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 9:53:41 PM
Reply

That's axel and yes he is a macho badass

0 up, 0 down

Reccaman18
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 9:54:12 PM

Aw, you beat me to the punch dude!

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 9:55:46 PM
Reply

I appreciate the article but I have to stand by my "past it" comments. While I like the idea of trying to capture that buddies on the couch feeling that Jaffe likes so much, it isn't something I do a lot any more to be honest.

I mean, with the places we can go in games today can we really welcome back a series that is so behind the times it's actually going to use live-action cut scenes? I'm afraid it isn't bringing anything to the table as far as I can tell, except maybe some of that old nostalgia.

6 up, 9 down

JMO_INDY
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 4:17:14 PM

Me as well world. I still respect the game and it was fun its what floated mu boat back then but just because it was fun 10 years ago doesnt mean its still my cup of tea today. I had fun with it ....had. I just dont know if i can honestly justify the purchase is all.

1 up, 2 down

Fane1024
Thursday, August 05, 2010 @ 5:38:29 PM

It doesn't help that there haven't been any incrementally-better iterations in the last ten years. It makes the game feel more dated than it might actually be.

0 up, 1 down

Vito_Scaletta
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 9:55:57 PM
Reply

@Recca yeah those were some of the better cars but in twisted metal black I used darkside just for the brutal ram attack

0 up, 0 down

Reccaman18
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 9:57:22 PM

Yeah Dark Side is pretty bad-ass in all of them. I forgot about him/her.

0 up, 0 down

Reccaman18
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 9:56:17 PM
Reply

Maybe the ones who aren't as excited about it never got into it at the beginning. I guess you had to have played the originals to truly understand why we love it so much. It's a classic that, for me, will never get old.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 10:24:59 PM

I was with it from the start, but now it's like... meh.

1 up, 5 down

Nickjcal
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 11:18:34 PM

i remember the first one. I used to play that game allll the time. Just so much fun. This one looks good too. And im not bashing the game or anything and i know its early in development or atleast as far as i know but the destructible environments could look a little better etc. And i think the graphics could use an overhaul but i bet itll look great come release time other than that though i think its time for just a simple fun game that lasts a long time

1 up, 0 down

BTNwarrior
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 10:00:38 PM
Reply

I felt very much the same about the game 3d Dot Game Heroes and to an extent LBP. Those old game mechanics are just so fun and while progress is good, so is good old fashion gaming fun

0 up, 0 down

StangMan80
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 10:14:07 PM
Reply

cant wait for this game

4 up, 0 down

gangan19
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 10:20:57 PM
Reply

WE need to kill things and blow stuff up with vehicles we wish we had

3 up, 0 down

hellish_devil
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 10:28:27 PM
Reply

Ben, I think you just wrote what Super Mario Galaxy 2 is doing right now...

6 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 11:35:54 PM

Eh...not really.

2 up, 2 down

Lawless SXE
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 5:41:53 AM

Yeah, I thought we only just had the fun discussion a couple of days ago. Just throwin' that out there. Twisted Metal is gonna be off the wall.
Peace.

2 up, 0 down

SayWord
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 10:30:40 PM
Reply

Can't wait! I just cannot wait. :)

3 up, 0 down

G1283
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 10:36:47 PM
Reply

:_____( very true. warhawk is a good example of this. 4 player online split screen SWEET and some other ones which i like to play like sarpbc (yeah). i even bought the ps1 twisted metal 2 on psn just to remember the glory days. (tear)

TWISTED METALLLLLLLL

3 up, 0 down

packersfan66
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 10:41:49 PM
Reply

Yeah, i'm pretty sketchy on this being a purchase for me.

0 up, 4 down

Milonakis
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 10:50:05 PM
Reply

Twisted Metal Black was so dam challenging. The only car I could beat it with on the hardest setting was mr. Grim. That was after I mastered the aiming of his special. I'm glad this game won't be changed to fit the so called times.

0 up, 0 down

frostface
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 10:50:34 PM
Reply

I haven't played the other Twisted Metal games, so I'm not too bothered about this one.
However, I'm also not dismissing it. If I'm bored and stuck in a drought for a new game to try out, between other big title releases, I may very well give it a shot.
These days cash is tight and I have to be more selective with my gaming purchases, if I don't eventually get it, I don't think I'll lose any sleep about it!

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 11:02:53 PM
Reply

If the devs utilize the resources they have available and make a solid playing game that is centered around the concepts of their unique brand of vehicular combat, I don't see how the game will be anything less than great.
Perhaps, many of you are too young to remember, but Twisted Metal Black surprised many critics back when it released on PS2. It was one of PS2's first strong games, and it easily showed the world that the series was anything but dying out after it's PSX era.

Unfortunately, the lead devs who developed Black died in a plane crash, resulting in a stalling of subsequent titles. Despite this, vehicular combat that was popular yesterday can still be made very entertaining today when the right hands are developing it, and I'd say the game is in good hands.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 11:10:33 PM
Reply

I think anyone that says that we're somehow past these games has no idea what they're talking about. Games exist to entertain us. they need to be fun. Does it matter if a game is simple in terms of it's concept? I don't think so. If so, how do any car based games go further than the drawing board. Burnout Paradise, let me get this straight, you drive around a realistically rendered City and perform all sorts of unrealistic car stunts and crashes and there are no people? Meh, sounds too simple. Gran Turismo? What, it's just racing in circles isn't it? Oh, so you can tune your cars to go faster, kewl so you can upgrade to go in circles faster huh? No thanks, I want some platforming and 3rd person shooting mixed into that please!

Really, are we all so jaded that a simple and crystal clear game concept is too simple? I always thought that having a crystal clear idea of what a game was about, was a *good* thing.

If the game delivers fun in heaping mega doses, then do we really care if it's crystal clear in concept?

I was going to finish by saying we're all to jaded, but that's not it. That's not it at all. We're SPOILED. Spoiled by incredible games, incredible visuals, sound that envelopes us and overwhelms us, epic stories, voice acting on par with the best of cinema, just plain, flat out spoiled. So spoiled in fact that when a fun game comes along that seems 'too' simple, some go 'Meh' and move on. Spoiled!

We need to remember why we play.

9 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 11:12:41 PM

yeah, I don't like racing games either.

3 up, 2 down

Nickjcal
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 11:21:15 PM

lol i fall asleep while i play forza 3.

1 up, 0 down

packersfan66
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 11:23:32 PM

I don't know, the games that are supposed to be "fun" could just not be fun anymore too right. It's not like we can force ourselves to have fun with it. Of course, this could end up being fun anyway, i'll have to rent it first.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 10:32:02 AM

Of course no one can force 'fun' on anyone, but what I am getting at is that games are supposed to be fun We play them to have fun. so what the heck is so wrong with a game that actually focuses on the fun instead of needless complexity?

To go back to the movies as an example. Not every movie is going to be Casablanca, or Citizen Kane, or 12 Angry Men, or whatever other masterpiece of high cinema art or drama you care to mention. But look at one of the biggest movies of the year - Hot Tub Time Machine. Why is it a success? because sometimes people simply want to have fun, and not think very hard.

That's why movies like HTTM are generally panned by critics despite commercial success. Some critics are so jaded and/or spoiled that they don't evaluate a movie from the point of view of the audience any more.

To me, Twisted Metal looks like it could be the gaming equivalent of a big bag of candy, it's all the same kind of candy, there are a few different colors and shapes, but you can't stop because they taste so good!

Wait, did I just suggest that Twisted Metal is the gaming equivalent of junk food? Yep, but is that so bad? All things in moderation - you know.

2 up, 0 down

Hawkeye
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 11:41:20 AM

I really enjoyed the first Twisted Metal back on the PS1, but like WorldEndsWithMe, I think my idea of what a fun game is, has changed.

Looking at my library of games I see a definite trend toward more complex games. Even the sports games I have have franchise modes in which a deeper level of play is allowed.

However, that being said, who knows what this new iteration of twisted metal will be like until we actually play it. Perhaps, it will have an online mode, unlockables, customizable cars/characters, user generated maps, team play, deathmatch etc... like FPS's have. Time, and a PSXextreme review will tell.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 11:11:54 PM
Reply

I do hope it becomes a huge exclusive title for PS3. I know there are some hardcore players that might get a PS3 just for that game.

2 up, 0 down

NonProphet
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 11:15:43 PM
Reply

I liked Twisted Metal on PS2 but it wasn't a favorite. I'll wait and see if the reviews for Black are good and will proceed accordingly. The evolution of online multiplayer is definitely a plus for me, but the thing about the whole concept of the game, as mentioned in the article, is that its kind of simplistic...but hopefully lots of fun nonetheless.

1 up, 2 down

main_event05
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 12:09:37 AM

You do know that Black has been out for quite some time now?

0 up, 0 down

TEG3SH
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 12:14:43 AM

@ nonprophet

im with main_event05 , seriously it has been out for ages ..... anyhow TM2 is the best

1 up, 0 down

TEG3SH
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 11:35:18 PM
Reply

CAUSE I SAID SO....

1 up, 2 down

kraygen
Monday, August 02, 2010 @ 11:36:36 PM
Reply

Even tho I might it enjoy it every once in a while, this is just not the type of game that holds my attention for very long.

I'm not even saying I don't enjoy the twisted metal series, just that I'm unlikely to drop full price on a game I know I won't dedicate serious time to.

Still, I hope it sells really well and helps sell some ps3's. To my knowledge there is nothing like it on 360.

1 up, 0 down

DeathOfChaos
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 12:34:59 AM
Reply

The way Twisted Metal is shaping actually makes me hyped for it even more because they didn't stray away from what made Twisted Metal what it is, and still used this generation of technology to progress it to emphasize the hectic gameplay that defined the series in the first place. If they bring back Rob Zombie or at least load it's soundtrack with awesome songs from the same general genre of music, best nostalgic game this generation. If they let you play your own music during the game, like a lot of games have been tending to do lately (Super Street Fighter IV and Resonance of Fate for example), I'll just put in the soundtracks for all the Rob Zombie Twisted Metal soundtracks and let it play, lol.

0 up, 0 down

RebelJD
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 2:08:16 AM
Reply

After reading this entry I'm going to have to support Twisted Metal. Not that I was a part of the group who wants to overlook this game. I was interested in this game since it's trailer had premiered. I like bad-ass, I like fun, I like cool. Which is why action films still exist in a world of suspense dramas. They're bad-ass, fun, and cool.

I really don't get what gamers want out of gaming sometimes. Solitude? Playing multi-player thru Playstation Network or Xbox Live with a headset on while in a "party" with your friends online while each sits at home individually in front of a TV is not a "get-together". <-- Yes that was a run on.

Sitting next to your buddies all bunched up in a room playing games wasn't isolation, like some old timers want to call it. Everyone should give yourself a little more credit than that. Dudes get together all bunched up for sports, beer drinking, etc. Try imagining yourself watching a game while getting buzzed with your buddies while everyone sits in front of TV within their own homes...not cool <-- run on? LOL.

1 up, 0 down

JPBooch
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 8:45:24 AM

Despite your sentence structure, I get what you are saying. I think whatever floats your boat, as long as you have fun, is cool with me. Wether it's sitting in isolation with a bunch of buddies on-line, in the group setting like in TM, or by yourself pulling in an RPG or action game.

Cuz we all serve one God.....the God of gaming. ;)

1 up, 0 down

Akuma07
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 3:18:34 AM
Reply

Sorry guys, Car combat games are for kids.

0 up, 6 down

___________
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 3:55:27 AM

right, so kidnapping a faction leader and feeding him into a truck which launches missiles is for kids?
hmmmmm, funny i have never seen that in any fairytale!

5 up, 0 down

TEG3SH
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 10:19:30 AM

@ _________________ Apparently u never watched snow white.lol

0 up, 0 down

sirbob6
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 4:04:46 PM

@______
just read the old grimm brother's stories.

Last edited by sirbob6 on 8/3/2010 4:12:04 PM

0 up, 0 down

Clamedeus
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 3:23:25 AM
Reply

I remember me and a friend used to stay up all night taking turns on beating Minion, Minion is the definition of bad ass right there rolling out in an APC coming straight for you.

1 up, 0 down

___________
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 3:54:27 AM
Reply

i really cant wait for this, every preview and trailer i watch just gets me that much more excited for it!
only concern i have is they seem to be focusing on MP so much, i mean E3 was all about MP, comicon was all about MP, every single preview i have read, every single trailer i have seen has been on MP.
i really hope SP does not take a backseat to MP, because the SP is where ill be playing this bad boy, and it will be what makes this game a hit or a flop!

0 up, 0 down

WolfCrimson
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 4:29:58 AM
Reply

Completely off-topic:

Can I request a review from PSXE? From Arnold, specifically, because I know Ben wouldn't want to review the game I have in mind. I know it might be too much trouble for you guys with all the work you have going on, but if it's not too much trouble, would you do it? Please?

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 10:15:57 AM

What?

0 up, 0 down

TEG3SH
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 10:21:41 AM

I think if they reviewed Hannah Montana they will review anything :)

Kudos Guys

Last edited by TEG3SH on 8/3/2010 10:22:14 AM

2 up, 0 down

WolfCrimson
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 10:22:36 AM

Could I ask Arnold to review BlazBlue: Continuum Shift?

Last edited by WolfCrimson on 8/3/2010 10:28:49 AM

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 6:35:00 PM

We'll see.

0 up, 0 down

FxTales
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 5:32:14 AM
Reply

I can certainly say it's on my list of games to look out for.

0 up, 0 down

tlpn99
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 7:07:27 AM
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I have been honest when I say I have neer played one of these games before but I more than likely will get it.

I can't get excited about something I have never played before.

0 up, 0 down

JPBooch
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 8:40:07 AM
Reply

I never played Twisted Metal...well actually once since I didn't own a PS2.

I did play a ton of Super Smash Bros. What you describe reminds me of my many hours playing that with friends and family. Good Times.

0 up, 0 down

Dustinwp
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 9:06:36 AM
Reply

Still have all my original PS1 and PS2 copies of the Twisted Metal games. TM on the PS3 is a day one purchase for me. Anyone who has not played TM in the past should give the game a chance. I think you will have more fun then you can imagine. Twisted Metal is not part of the vehicular combat genre, it defined the genre.

Last edited by Dustinwp on 8/3/2010 9:10:19 AM

4 up, 0 down

TEG3SH
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 10:20:43 AM

I totally agree with everything u say. THIS GAME IS THE BEST. if I didn't have a ps3 already I will go out and buy one just for this :)

3 up, 0 down

DjEezzy
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 1:33:05 PM
Reply

silly rabbit... Trix are for kids. Not Twisted Metal. Even if it is for kids. It's still going to be bad ass.

0 up, 0 down

FM23
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 4:27:47 PM
Reply

Very good article. If every game was like Heavy Rain or most of Rockstars recent creations, games would get a little boring after a while. Transformers WFC is a crappy game, but I have had so much fun playing the multiplayer so I am definitely getting my moneys worth. RDR and GTA are back on the shelf and I haven't touched Heavy Rain since I viewed every ending possible. That being sad, my money was well spent, but those games get boring after you have played the experience. If I can enjoy TM as much as I enjoyed crap Transformers WFC, then TM will definitely be a highlight for me next year. Masterpiece type games have little replay value to me (Dead Space, Heavy Rain, Fallout 3, etc), but games that are just about having fun and little else, have the highest replay value. Wonder why Call of Duty is so popular...it's has no substance, but alot of value if you dig the MP aspect of the game. That's why Halo is so popular even though I hate those games. Most games that lack story oriented gameplay have the most replay value in my book (Midnight Club LA (race car games period), multiplayer for any games I like (for me it is KZ2 and WFC), Demons Souls, etc.)

0 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 4:38:17 PM
Reply

It's just like Street Fighter

It's the king of kings
Truly THE definitive Car-Combat game

It's truly 'bout competition and and learning those tracks perfectly.

You'll see when it releases, it's gonna set your hair on fire

0 up, 0 down

Mamills
Tuesday, August 03, 2010 @ 9:00:44 PM
Reply

i dunno never got into twisted metal.
played part 2 back in the day. was fun but i dunno about this new one.
ill wait n see if i care about this new 1.
i need to see more about it.
if the online is gonna b good then i'll b all over it. but until then, uncharted 2 still takes up all my time

0 up, 0 down

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