Twisted Metal 4

Infobox VG
title = Twisted Metal 4


caption =
developer = 989 Studios
publisher = 989 Studios
series = "Twisted Metal" series
engine =
version =
released = October 31, 1999
genre = Vehicular combat
modes = Single player, Multiplayer
ratings = Teen
platforms = PlayStation

"Twisted Metal 4" is the fourth game in the "Twisted Metal" vehicular combat high selling series, released in 1999. It was the second and last attempt at the Twisted Metal series developed by the recent game company 989 Studios.

The game was re-released as part of Sony Greatest Hits program.

Overview

In concept, "Twisted Metal 4" is a demolition derby which permits the usage of ballistic projectiles. Players choose a vehicle and an arena—or a series of arenas in the story mode—to engage in battle with opposing drivers. A variety of weapons are obtainable by pick-ups scattered throughout the stage. The objective of the game is to be the last one standing.

The game's plot takes a different turn of events compared to its predecessors. Its intro video details the tournament's story, starting around the 1900s as a circus-type caravan that traveled across the country spreading destruction everywhere. A young Sweet Tooth finds himself amazed by the contest and runs off in its pursuit, entering and eventually winning. As his wish, he desires to become the star of Twisted Metal, which Calypso gladly grants. At first venered by the chaos he created, as time went on Sweet Tooth became jealous of Calypso, until he decides to initiate a coup d'etat helped by a group of midget clowns, and takes control of Twisted Metal.

It is also stated Calypso's source of powers comes from a mysterious ring that consumes the souls of those who die, increasing his strength and youth. It is due to Sweet Tooth having taken it that he possess the same abilities as Calypso to grant wishes.

Development

After a contractual dispute with the developer of the first two games in series, SingleTrac, Twisted Metal development duties were handed over to Sony's in-house development team, 989 Studios.

In development of Twisted Metal III, it was found that the source code for Twisted Metal II had turned up missing. Because of this, the entire source code and physics engine had to be done over again. The new source code introduced advanced physics simulation and AI techniques to the series. However, the Twisted Metal III engine is viewed as somewhat buggy in comparison to the previous two titles.

In development of Twisted Metal 4, the game was reworked to improve upon the shortcomings of "Twisted Metal III", introducing smoother gameplay and softer physics. Levels were expanded further and a increased arsenal of weapons was created which would ultimately become exclusive to this game.

Game features

"Twisted Metal 4" retained the original system of its predecessor, "Twisted Metal III", albeit it was adjusted to be much quicker and flexible. It also introduced new features, most of which did not returned in following games:

* Expanded weapon repertoire: Unlike "Twisted Metal III" which included few new weapons to the ones created in "Twisted Metal 2", "Twisted Metal 4" includes a much diverse set of weapons to pick during gameplay. Among the most notable new weapons are Freeze Remotes, Proximity Mines and missiles that shoot forward a barrage of smaller projectiles.
* Save game: "Twisted Metal 4" discards the password system of its predecessors and instead allows players to save their progress in the Memory Card. The data allowed a total of 30 different campaigns to be saved, both single and co-op.
* Create-A-Car: A mode that allows players to create their own car to be used in the game. The mode includes 9 different vehicle types, each with different paint jobs and accessories to use, as well as a unique special attack and a warcry that'd activate when used. It remains to date the only home-console car combat game to use such mode.

Characters

The game includes a total of 13 selectable characters from the start. Most characters were original characters created for the game, whereas a few of the returning charactes appears as stage bosses without story. Unlike previous games in the series, each stage counts with its own boss to defeat in order to advance. Every boss becomes selectable after defeating it.

Reception

The game was panned by critics and fans of the first two titles, though it did receive more favorable reviews than its predecessor, "Twisted Metal III". It has an average score of 69% at Game Rankings and became a best seller.

Some fans of the first two Twisted Metal titles do not view 989 Studios' games (the third and fourth games) as true entries in the Twisted Metal franchise and canon. Fan site [http://www.tmalliance.com/ Twisted Metal Alliance] was formed in protest of the games, going as far as sending a petition against 989 Studios to Sony. This ended when Incognito Entertainment, formed by members of SingleTrac, the studio responsible for the first two games, was put in charge of developing and future games in the franchise.

External links

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