Twisted Metal III

Infobox VG
title = Twisted Metal III


caption =
developer = 989 Studios
publisher = 989 Studios
series = "Twisted Metal" series
engine =
version =
released = October 31, 1998
genre = Vehicular combat
modes = Single player, Multiplayer
ratings = Teen
platforms = PlayStation

"Twisted Metal III" is the third game in the "Twisted Metal" vehicular combat series, released in 1998. Despite the game largely being considered the worst in the series, it went on to become a best seller and was re-released as part of the Sony Greatest Hits program.

Overview

In concept, "Twisted Metal III" 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 story of the game is situated 2 years from "Twisted Metal 2". The basic plot is retained: Calypso continues with his vehicular combat tournament Twisted Metal all over the world, promising to its winner any wish he or she desires, despite how unreal it could be. Although Calypso grants the winner's wish, he twists it in a way that has a negative effect on them. Calypso watches over the battles from a personal blimp, which also serves as the game's final stage.

Development

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

Because the source code from the previous games turned up missing at Sony, the source code and physics engine had to be built from the ground up. The new source code introduced advanced physics simulation and AI techniques to the series. However, most of the gameplay aspects of its predecessors, like weapon pickups and Advanced Attacks, were re-emulated.

Characters

"Twisted Metal III" presents a total roster of fourteen characters, Five new characters make an apperance for "Twisted Metal III".

Reception

Many fans of previous installments were upset at the resulting change of physics and game play. However, new players received Twisted Metal III well and the game went on to become a best seller and part of Sony's Greatest Hits collection.

Some Twisted Metal fans do not view 989 Studios' games (the third and fourth games) as true entries in the Twisted Metal franchise. Fan Site [http://www.tmalliance.com/ Twisted Metal Alliance] 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 Twisted Metal: Small Brawl.

Although disliked by some, it can be argued that Twisted Metal III introduced a younger generation of gamers to the Twisted Metal franchise.

ee also

* List of Sony Greatest Hits games
* List of best-selling computer and video games

External links

*