Twisted Metal 2

articleissues
article=y
travelguide=September 2008
rewrite=September 2008Infobox VG
title =


developer = Sony Interactive Studios America / SingleTrac
publisher = Sony Computer Entertainment
distributor =
designer = David Jaffe, Scott Campbell
series = "Twisted Metal" series
engine =
version =
platforms = PlayStation, PC, PlayStation Network
released = PlayStation vgrelease|NA=October 31, 1996

PlayStation Network vgrelease|NA=November 1, 2007
genre = Car combat
modes = Single-player, Multiplayer
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=Teen
media = CD-ROM

"Twisted Metal 2" (known in Europe as "Twisted Metal 2: World Tour") is the second and most successful game in the vehicular combat "Twisted Metal" series. Having brought the latest installment in the series by popular demand, SingleTrac hit a gold mine. It was developed by the game studio SingleTrac, published by Sony, and released in 1996 for Playstation and PC.

The PC version features slightly cut-down graphics compared to the PlayStation version (minor details of some levels disappeared) but it doesn't require a 3D accelerator video card and plays well on weak computers. It also features multiplayer mode over a modem line or Internet.

Two years after its release, "Twisted Metal 2" was re-released as a PlayStation Greatest Hits game. A similar title was released in Japan in 2007. On November 1, 2007, it was also released for download in North America on the PlayStation Network.

Overview

In concept, "Twisted Metal 2" 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 remaining player.

The story follows up from the first game, having a man named Calypso host a vehicular combat tournament called Twisted Metal, which grants its winner a single prize: anything he or she desires. There is a general "be careful what you wish for" theme, as many of the contestants wind up with not-so-happy endings.

The plot is set a year after the first game, and unlike it where the city of Los Angeles was the arena of the contest, cities from all over the world are used instead.

Gameplay

The game is based entirely on the previous game's system, with enhanced graphics and physics. The game removed many of the original weaponry as well as introducing features that would remain on every subsequent sequel:

* Probably the most important new feature of "Twisted Metal 2" is the Advanced Attacks. These are special maneuvers/attacks common for all vehicles and supported by a power recharged with time instead of pick-ups. There are both offensive (Freeze or Mine) and defensive (Shield or Cloak) maneuvers. Many of these Advanced Attacks replaced weapon pick-ups from the original "Twisted Metal".
* The original "Repair Station" were replaced by health pick-ups, which would restore a certain amount of health when picked. Repair station would be reintroduced in "Twisted Metal: Black", together with the health pick-up.
* Fire damage was added as an effect of certain weapons or character's specials. Flames would stick to the targeted car and slowly take away health until they wear off or were manually removed by using Turbo.

Characters

Like its predecessor, "Twisted Metal 2" has twelve different cars to select from. There are three additional characters, Sweet Tooth, Dark Tooth, and Minion, which can be unlocked through different codes. Dark Tooth though, is only playable on the PC version of the game which makes the characters fourteen if played on the PlayStation 1. If the code's sequence is correct a loud bang can be heard in the game shortly after.

Reception

The Playstation version has a ranking of 85% on Game Rankings, while the PC version averages at 50%.

ee also

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

External links

* [http://www.mobygames.com/game/twisted-metal-2 Twisted Metal 2] at MobyGames
* [http://www.tmalliance.com/tm2/index.shtml Information on Twisted Metal 2] and [http://www.tmalliance.com/tm2pc/index.shtml TM2 PC version] at TMalliance (fan site)
* [http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/199136.asp TM2] and [http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/199135.asp TM2 PC version] at Game Rankings
* [http://www.gamespot.com/199136 TM2] and [http://www.gamespot.com/pc/driving/twistedmetal2/index.html TM2 PC version] at GameSpot